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70
sidered suitable for the establishment of a main health centre with
specialist clinics to serve the whole Borough.
Notwithstanding these deficiencies, it was considered that the
building could be adapted to provide' accommodation for a subsidiary
health centre as adequate as could be expected in any building
not specially designed for the purpose; and that the large
vacant piece of ground to the east of the main building could be
used to provide accommodation for future extensions of health
services.
Conversion of Premises.
At the end of 1950 the Health Authority had decided to let
the dwelling house to one of the County Mental Welfare Officers,
and negotiations were proceeding between the Authorities concerned
regarding the conversion of the main building.
Eventually the necessary work was begun on 9th April, and
completed by 22nd September.
The conversion was effected wholly within the external walls
of the building, the only external work being the erection of a
perambulator store and alterations to the front entrance. The
original main hall was reduced in length by the construction of an
entrance lobby and clerk's office at the front and the school minor
ailments clinic at the rear. A suspended ceiling was introduced,
taking away the barn-like appearance of the building and forming
a more compact lecture hall and waiting room with improved lighting
and acoustics.
This hall now forms the focal point of the various services and
clinics in the surrounding rooms, all of which have access thereto.
The side rooms were completely reconstructed. The doctor's
consulting room has direct access both to the ante-natal and infant
welfare clinic and through a small lobby to the school minor ailments
clinic.
The doctor's consulting room, and the adjoining room used
for maternal and infant welfare, get any sunshine which is available
by virtue of their southern exposure.
On the other hand, all the dental rooms are served with north
light, and the dental surgeries are insulated from the main hall by
means of a small lobby and double doors. Both dental surgeries
have access to the recovery room, from which a lobby leads to a
separate exit. A dental mechanic's workshop is connected to
Surgery No. 2 by means of another lobby.