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Day Nurseries.
The 3 Day Nurseries continued to care for the children of working mothers and
certain mothers in distressed home circumstances.
The number of children on the waiting list for places in these nurseries continued to
increase during 1948. The Day Nurseries were very much appreciated by the mothers
of children who were admitted, as the benefits of a day nursery stay were plain to see in
both physical and mental outlook of the children.
Under the scheme for the training of nursery students to obtain the Nursery Nurses'
Diploma, all the girls employed in the Day Nurseries as students were given the opportunity
to attend for general educational and theoretical training at Acton Technical College,
and received practical experience in the Nurseries themselves, each of the 3 Day Nurseries
having been examined and scheduled as training establishments by the National Association
of Day Nurseries.
PREVALENCE OF, AND CONTROL OVER, INFECTIOUS AND OTHER
DISEASES
During 1948 the incidence of measles was high—825 cases were notified during the
year. Measles is normally a complaint which occurs in bi-annual waves, and 1947 was
the year when a larger number of notifications was to be expected, but the number occurring
in 1947, although high, i.e., 334, was much less than the number of notifications for 1948.
Whether this indicates some alterations in the type of infecting organism has not been
ascertained as yet. It will be interesting to compare these figures with those of 1949 which
may show us that the bi-annual fluctuation in incidence is no longer typical of the disease.
The type of illness was more severe than during 1947, and 16 cases were admitted to the
Isolation Hospital during the first part of the year with severe attacks, in 3 cases with
pneumonia as a complication; 1 death took place from measles pneumonia.
An increase was noticed also in the number of notifications of scarlet fever—from 88
in 1947 to 110 in 1948- The type of case, however, was very mild ; there were no deaths
and no complications with lasting effects. 7 cases were notified as diphtheria, only 1 of
which was subsequently diagnosed as suffering from the disease. The case was uncomplicated
and discharged cured.
The number of notifications of whooping cough was considerable, although the disease
did not assume epidemic form. A disturbing factor here is that 25 cases occurred in children
under 1 year of age. It is difficult to tell what the value of immunisation has been in the
prevention of whooping cough in the area, as the number receiving treatment is still a
matter of doubt. Reports are awaited of the trials of various preparations being conducted
by the Medical Research Council in several parts of the country. It is obvious that if the
vaccination is indeed effective, it should be carried out in children at a very early age, i.e.,
6-9 months—it is very doubtful whether immunity can be produced by any injections given
before the age of 6 months.
In 1948 the epidemic of poliomyelitis in England, which had occurred in the latter end
of 1947, was diminishing. During the early months of the year Southall had 2 notifications
of cases, 1 of whom was left with a considerable amount of paralysis of the legs. No deaths
occurred from poliomyelitis.
Provision of Antitoxin.
The Council provided antitoxin free to local practitioners for cases of diphtheria in the
district.
The Ministry of Health also sanctioned the supply of tetanus antitoxin by the Council
to local practitioners if such should be required.
Diphtheria and tetanus antitoxin were obtainable at the Health Department during
office hours or at the Isolation Hospital at other times.
Under the scheme for the provision of insulin for necessitous cases not covered by
other schemes, 20 people were supplied during 1948, either free or at part cost.
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