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rooms. This had the desired effect of re-stimulating demand up
to the resources of the hospital laboratories, without overwhelming
the service.
CLINIC SERVICES
As mentioned earlier in this report, alterations to Elm Park
and Hornchurch clinics were completed in 1968. Plans for
extending two other clinics which had been included in the 10
year development plan had been deferred in view of the present
economic position. Since 1960 the Health Centre at Harold Hill
and six of the purpose-built clinics have each been either altered
or extended to provide additional accommodation needed to cater
for the increased services provided by the Local Authority.
MEDICAL STAFF
During 1968 difficulties were experienced in filling vacancies
for Assistant Medical Officers. Appointments which were made
were offset by resignations and this resulted in theestablishment
of 8 medical officers being under strength for the majority of the
year. However, in December, 2 appointments were made which
resulted in all vacancies being filled. Most of an Assistant
Medical Officer's work is concerned with children either at
child health clinics, in the school health service, or in day
nurseries and nursery schools etc. but the doctors also staff an
occupational health service for the 10,566 Council employees.
Local general practitioners are engaged for Clinic and school
health on a sessional basis throughout the year, but undertake
increased sessions at times when the full-time staff are depleted.
CHILD HEALTH CLINICS
81.7% of children born in 1968 attended the child health
clinics on at least one ocassion. This shows an increase on the
comparable figure for 1967 of 74.4%. However, a smaller number
of children over the age of one attended in comparison with the
previous year. This is regrettable as experience has shown
that a high proportion of mothers of toddler age children appreciate
advice on various aspects of their care. Sometimes the needs
of this age range can be overlooked, particularly if there is a
new baby demanding the major part of a mother's time and
attention.
Table 8 gives details of the sessions held and the number
of children attending.
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