View report page

CHAPTER VII.
ADMINISTRATION, STAFF, SUMMARY.
1. The previous chapters give a report on the work of the
Department in 1947, both generally and in detail in certain
particulars, as well as being a review of the development and
expansion during the last ten years of the Borough's Health
Services. Such an expansion is all the more remarkable because
of the dominating priority of Air Raid Precautions and Civil
Defence in the seven years 1938 - 1945.
2. Administratively, the Department is divided into five
sections dealing with (1) Staff, supplies, equipment, finance, etc.,
(2) infectious diseases and hospitalisation, (3) Maternity and
Child Welfare, (4) School Health services and Day Nurseries,
(5) Environmental hygiene and food. These five sections are in
no sense watertight compartments, the professional technical
Officers having duties in all the sections, some in some sections
more than in others according to their specialities. The clerical
staff overflow into all five sections under the day to day supervision
and co-ordination of the Chief Clerk; the professional
technical staff being, as far as possible, relieved of clerical duties
which may be delegated to these Officers. Some de-centralisation
of administration of the Clinic Services has taken place, with
considerable benefit. There are several matters occurring constantly
at the Clinics which may appropriately be dealt with on
behalf of the Medical Officers and Health Visitors by a clerical
Officer, relieving them for their more technical responsibilities to
those seeking professional advice. At Stag Lane Clinic four
Health Visitors and at One Tree Hill Clinic three Health Visitors
now have their centres, being assisted by two clerical Officers
one at each centre. The saving in time spent on travelling to
and from the Town Hall alone, along with the many arrangements
(hospitalisation, consultation appointments, letters are other services,
etc., etc.) being dealt with immediately by the clerical
Officers at the Clinics have been a great advantage, especially
since so many extra responsibilities have been undertaken under
the Education Act, 1944.
3. Various booklets are issued and kept up to date for the
information and general guidance of the staff, to the Medical
Officers, the Health Visitors, the Sanitary Inspectors, and the
Clerical Officers, while, in addition, booklets are also compiled
dealing comprehensively with the School Health Services and the
Day Nursery Services.
82