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However, Day Nurseries benefitted by the change, as more information and more
contact with people in all fields of the welfare of the child became available. The co-operation
between staff of Infant Welfare Clinics and Day Nurseries was firmly strengthened and
information was always readily given. As the welfare of the child is what Day Nurseries are
all about, this change was the most valuable of all. It speaks highly for the staff of the
Nurseries, that, to the parents and onlookers, Day Nurseries have altered little, showing the
adaptability of the staff that notwithstanding all else the rhythm of the child's day remains
untouched.
HANDSWORTH AVENUE HEALTH CENTRE
In my Annual Report for 1966 reference was made to the opening of the first Health
Centre in the Borough at Hurst Road, Walthamstow.
In June, 1968 the Council's second purpose-built Health Centre was completed and
brought into use.
This building is situated in Handsworth Avenue, Highams Park and is very near the
boundaries of the former boroughs of Chingford and Walthamstow.
It is adjacent to a shopping area, bus routes and the local railway station and is
constructed as an integral part of a housing scheme.
Accommodation is provided, in four consulting rooms (with adjoining examination
rooms), for five medical practitioners of whom three are making full-time use of the Health
Centre. A waiting room for the general practitioners' patients is provided separately from
that used by the Local Health Authority Services but the reception and office area is shared
by the clerical staff employed by the general practitioners and those employed by the Borough
Council.
The Council offers the usual range of Local Health Authority Services such as Infant
Welfare Sessions, Toddlers' Clinics, Ante-Natal Relaxation Classes, Chiropody, Dental
Treatment, Minor Ailment Treatments, Midwives Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Clinics etc.
There is full attachment of Home Nursing and Midwifery staff to the group of medical
practitioners and close liaison with the team of Health Visitors and School Nurses based at
the Health Centre.
Photographs of the building appear between pages 20 and 21 and on page 34 is a layout
drawing of the Ground floor accommodation. On the first floor is the dental suite consisting
of a surgery, recovery room, X-ray and dark room and a waiting room. The Staff Common
Room is also on this floor.
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