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8
1.—GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR
THE AREA.
(i) Public Health Officers of the Authority.
On referring to the list at the beginning of this report, it will be
seen that there have again been substantial changes amongst the
personnel, thus creating the inevitable difficulties which are
incidental thereto. The four permanent members of the Clerical staff
are now serving with His Majesty's Forces, and this work is being
carried on with temporary staff, who, however, are also liable to be
enlisted for Military Service or Factory work.
During the year, an additional Midwife was appointed, and,
owing to the opening of two additional War-time Nurseries, further
staff was appointed.
At the commencement of hostilities, the staff of the department
numbered 15. At the present day it numbers 40, excluding Civil
Defence personnel, Domestic Staff, etc.
I am pleased, however, to report that, on the whole, the work
has progressed smoothly, and that the essential records have been
kept satisfactorily.
(ii) Laboratory Facilities.
These continue to be available, in accordance with the scheme
as detailed in last year's report, and give every satisfaction.
The Emergency Laboratory Service has again supplied a considerable
amount of material, free of charge, throughout the year,
for the purpose of immunisation against Diphtheria.
We are also grateful for the kind assistance of Dr. E. V.
Suckling, of the Counties Public Health Laboratories, for the advice
which he has readily given, and for the examination of samples of
milk, and water, which are periodically submitted to this Laboratory
for analysis.
(iii) Nursing in the Home.
(a) Midwives.
Full advantage was taken of the domiciliary service of salaried
midwives and, at the beginning of the year, the sixth midwife, whose
appointment has previously been referred to, commenced duties.
This gives Romford the quota originally agreed upon, at the time of
the introduction of the Midwives' Act, 1936, and visualised then as
likely to be required for the area, and has the advantage of giving
the Midwives more time to devote to each of their cases, and also the
necessary relaxation, which they have hitherto not managed to
enjoy.