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The Dental Workshop undertook a considerable amount of
work for the General Dental Service, the Leyton and Walthamstow
Committees for Education and the Regional Hospital Board.
With regard to maternal and child welfare, there were increased
attendances for post-natal examinations, and relaxation classes and
toddler clinics were started. Neo natal and infant mortality were
again reduced ; attendances at the Child Welfare Centres remained
steady at over 30,000, and the special clinic for Child Guidance for
children of pre-school years continued its preventive work. The
distribution of welfare foods was taken over from the Ministry of
Food in July. The domiciliary midwifery service attained nearly
90% of gas and air administration.
A meeting was arranged between family doctors practising in
the Borough and the staff of the Health Department, especially the
Health Visitors in order to try and increase co-operation. Progress,
however, is slow.
The Home Nursing Service attained a total of over 64,000
visits. Extensive additions and alterations were made to the District
Nurses' Home, which will now be adequate for many years to come.
There is still neglect of primary vaccination and reasons are
given stressing the importance of primary vaccination in early
infancy. Sufficient time has now elapsed to prove the efficacy of
immunisation against whooping cough and parents are now apt to
neglect diphtheria immunisation in favour of the former.
In the fight against tuberculosis B.C.G. vaccination for school
leavers was a notable advance.
Arrangements were made to assist in the training of student
nurses taking general nursing training, and finally, the Domestic
Help and Chiropody Services continued under increasing pressure
and strain.
Once again I have to record the good work of the staff of the
whole of the Department and the consideration of the Committees
concerned, and in particular of their Chairman, Alderman The Lady
McEntee, J.P.
Full co-operation has also been experienced from other departments
in the Town Hall, from the Chest Clinic staff and from the
family doctors in the town.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
A. T. W. POWELL,
Medical Officer of Health