View report page

The establishment of Public Health Inspectors was, fortunately,
maintained during the year and there was recruitment of two
Student Public Health Inspectors, who had to undertake to remain
in the Council's service for a minimum period of two years after
qualification.
With regard to the Clean Air Act, 1956, a conference of Local
Authorities took place at Leyton. Two lead peroxide instruments
were installed for the measurement of atmospheric pollution. The
average reading over the whole year for Walthamstow was 1.80,
which is below the National average of 1.83, itself a very low figure
when compared with recorded readings of 6.8 elsewhere.
Hairdressers and barbers became registerable as from the 1st
January. Bye-laws were prepared and awaited confirmation at the
end of the year.
The operation of the Rent Act, 1957, entailed considerable
additional work, no less than 323 certificates being applied for
between the 6th July and the end of the year. Of these only 34,
or say 10% required the issue of a Certificate of Disrepair. The
remainder were met by agreement between the landlord and tenant
with some stimulation on the part of the Health Inspectors.
During the year inspection of all the dwellings in the five-year
programme of unfit houses was completed. Before formal Representation,
as many of these properties as possible are being acquired
by agreement.
The impressive progress in the provision of new housing
accommodation is shown in the reports of the Borough Architect,
Engineer and Surveyor and of the Housing Manager.
Miss E. G. Welbrock, Superintendent of the District Nurses'
Home and Non-Medical Supervisor of Midwives, retired on 2nd
October, 1957, after employment in this capacity since 21st May,
1951. Previously Miss Welbrock had been employed at the Nurses'
Home by the Walthamstow District Nursing Association from
January, 1935, to February, 1939, as Maternity Home Sister and
Assistant Superintendent, and as Assistant Superintendent from
April, 1940, to September, 1948. In all Miss Welbrock held senior
nursing posts in Walthamstow for 16 years and has rendered fine
service to the community.
With regard to the services administered by the Health Area
Sub-Committee, the work done in the General Dental Service and
the Dental Laboratory showed an increase, and it became possible
to book new patients towards the end of the year.
Arising out of Ministry of Health Circular 9/56 in regard to
ante-natal care, local consultations were convened by the Chairman
of the Hospital Management Committee and the whole question of
co-operation was reviewed. An "ante-natal co-operation card" was
brought into use as a result of the consultations.