View report page

school. Of these, 117 were found to be harbouring nits or live
lice. This was equivalent to 25% of the children examined. In
September, 1948, when 459 children were examined, the number
of children infested had fallen to 57, or 12% of the total. This
improvement has been maintained at more recent examinations.
It would thus appear that our present policy of peaceful
persuasion, coupled with adequate treatment facilities, is proving
successful. We still have to contend with difficult families whose
co-operation is not readily obtained. Even in these cases, however,
very definite improvement has been achieved. More stringent
action will be taken if and when this policy appears desirable.
Nursing in the Home.—The Southgate Queen's Nursing
Association continued to provide nursing in the home during the
first six months of 1948. On 5th July, 1948, these services were
transferred to the County Council, under the National Health
Service. In actual fact, the Southgate Queen's Nursing Association
continued this work on behalf of the County Council until
the latter part of the year. The change-over to the County
Council was effected with a minimum of disturbance. Fortunately
for all concerned, the same excellent staff continued to be
available, under the efficient supervision of Miss Rowe, Superintendent
at Osidge. Nursing Services in the home are no longer
the direct concern of the Borough Council, although this phase
of public health is obviously one in which all local councils will
continue to be interested.
It would be appropriate here to record the thanks of the Public
Health Department to the Southgate Queen's Nursing Association
for the valuable co-operation extended over so many years. Southgate
has been fortunate in having the benefit of such a publicspirited
Association. One cannot help feeling that the work of
the Nursing Association has too often been taken for granted.
Those who benefited from the facilities provided were undoubtedly
grateful, but the part which the Association played in the
communal life of the Borough was not always fully appreciated.
It can at least be said that the Public Health Department realised
to the full the benefits conveyed to the public by the Nursing
Association, and equallv realised the great value of the long and
happy partnership.
Very much the same remarks apply to the Midwifery
Services. Here again, these services have been transferred from
the Queen's Nursing Association, which acted as agent for the
County Council, to the County Council itself. The same efficient
staff is fortunately available, the only difference being that the
staff will now be employed as County Council officers and not as
midwives whose salaries are paid bv the Southgate Queen's
Nursing Association.
23