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During the year 814 home visits have been made in a supervisory capacity by the Domestic Organiser to the
homes of the applicants. An initial visit is made following the application for help to assess the amount and
type of help required, and to make sure that the application comes within the scheme.
Subsequent visits are made, from time to time, to ascertain that Home Helps are carrying out their duties
in a satisfactory manner, and that the selected help fits in with the household. In this way the smooth running of
the scheme is maintained and helpers are used to the best advantage.
Clerical Assistance.—A part-time Clerk was appointed to assist with the clerical work as from 3rd November,
1947.
General Comments.—Although there have been many applications for the position of Domestic Help, it has
been very difficult to select the right type of person. The person must not only be a good domestic help, but must
also have the qualities of patience, cheerfulness and a kind spirit to assist the people with whom she comes into
contact, i.e., the mother, the sick and the aged.
The greatest difficulty has been the aged, many of whom live completely isolated from the world in most
appalling conditions of dirt and squalor. It needs the character of a heroine to work under those conditions, and
I am pleased to report that many of our Home Helps have taken on these arduous tasks without a murmur of protest.
It has been shown by many letters of thanks, from those who have been assisted, that the service is deeplv
appreciated by members of the public.
The Home Help Service will be extended under the provisions of the National Health Service Act, 1946.
Willesden residents have been fortunate in having a sufficient number of good Home Helps to deal with their
expanding needs. This is largely due to the fact that the terms of service with the Willesden Corporation have been
at least as good as those of outside agencies or of private work.
THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE.
During 1947, 4,223 children were medically inspected at routine inspections and 22.926 at special inspections
and reinspections.
Scabies.—See report on Uncleanliness and Scabies on pages 12-14.
Uncleanliness.—During 1947 cleanliness inspections were carried out in the schools on 213 occasions.
The total number of examinations and re-examinations made during the year was 19,621.
See report on Uncleanliness and Scabies on pages 12-14.
Medical Treatment in Willesden.—During the year 1947 school children were followed up by the Health
Department on account of 11,342 medical defects and 5,974 dental defects. Of those defects found to require
treatment, medical or dental treatment was obtained for 14,475 and domestic treatment was obtained for 1,080.
88 per cent. of the medical defects were treated, 78 per cent. receiving medical treatment and 9.5 per cent. domestic
treatment; 94 per cent. of the dental defects followed up were treated. No record is available of defects requiring
treatment which were not followed up. 85 per cent. of the total medical defects treated and 99 per cent. of the total
dental defects treated were dealt with by the Education Committee. The remainder, or 15 per cent. of the medical
defects and 1 per cent. of the dental defects treated, were dealt with by private practitioners, voluntary hospitals, or
other charitable institutions, or Public Assistance. In connection with the defects treated, the children concerned
made 53,218 attendances at the Health Centres.