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8
1.—GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR
THE AREA.
(i) Public Health Officers of the Authority.
For particulars of these, see the list at the beginning of this
Report.
(ii) Laboratory Facilities.
At the beginning of the War the Ministry of Health intimated
that an Emergency Laboratory Service had been organised by the
Medical Research Council, in order to augment the existing facilities
for bacteriological diagnostic work required for the Public Health
Services. For this purpose laboratories had been established at
different points throughout England and Wales, and the nearest to
this area was at Brentwood School. As, however, it was not intended
that the scheme should interfere in any way with the operation
of normal services where these could be maintained it was
not found necessary during 1939 to avail ourselves of this laboratory.
(iii) Nursing in the Home.
(a) Midwives.
The scheme for a domiciliary service of salaried midwives continued
throughout the year, and proved to be popular with the
General Practitioners in the District, and the Public alike. Owing
to an increased demand for the services of the Midwives, it was
apparent that a fifth Midwife would have to be appointed, in order
to prevent the others from being burdened with too many cases,
which would, in time, result in less attention being given to each
case. Accordingly, Mrs. D. Axton was appointed, and commenced
duties on '24th July.
In addition to the 5 Council Midwives, there are 5 Midwives
in independent practice in the Area, and also 4 District Nurse
Midwives. Seven Midwives, resident outside the Borough, also
undertook cases in the District during the year.
It is not believed that there are now many "handywomen"
undertaking maternity work in Romford, but to control the activities
of those who remain, we await the sanction of the Ministry of
Health to invoke Section 6 of the Midwives Act, 1936, for which
application has been made to the Ministry of Health by the Essex
County Council.
(iv) Hospitals: Public and Voluntary.
(a) Infectious Diseases.
The Infectious Diseases' Hospital at Rush Green, under the
jurisdiction of the Romford Joint Hospital Board, continues to
serve this District, the District of the Dagenham Borough Council,
and Hornchurch Urban District.