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6
INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL.
I think it wise to record the great difficulties experienced since the
loss of the cubicle block at the hospital. Owing to the number of
various diseases, mixed infections and observation cases requiring
treatment it is often very difficult to find accommodation for patients
in spite of the fact that there may be quite a number of empty beds
throughout the wards. Further, if cubicles were available it would be
more economical for nursing and running costs. However, owing to
the shortage of labour and materials the question of the provision of a
new cubicle block has been postponed until the end of the war.
CLEANSING STATION.
In accordance with the Council's decision a male cleansing attendant
was appointed in April, 1942 at the Borough Cleansing Station, which
had been placed under the direct control of the Medical Officer of
Health. It was not possible, however, to obtain a suitable female
cleansing attendant until May, 1942.
In the case of each of these employees it was arranged that when
not engaged on cleansing duties they should be employed at the
Borough Infectious Diseases Hospital.
During the year the Scabies Order, 1942 came into operation,
whereby powers were granted to the Medical Officer of Health for the
control, prevention and treatment of persons suffering from scabies.
Most of the provisions advised in this Order were already in operation
in the Borough of Barnes.
BOROUGH ACCIDENT AND GENERAL PURPOSES
AMBULANCE SERVICE.
This service was placed under the control of the Medical Officer of
Health in December, 1941. During 1942, owing to the fact that the
firemen were all trained in first aid and owing to the difficulty experienced
in obtaining trained substitutes for them, the accident ambulance
continued to be manned by personnel of the Fire Service.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
The birth-rate for Barnes for 1942 was 14.5 per 1,000 population,
contrasted with 11.6 the previous year. This birth-rate is the highest
recorded in the borough since 1926.
As a result of the Council's representations, permission was received
from the Ministry of Health to establish two whole-time day nurseries
in the borough for the care of children of mothers in employment.
Suitable premises were obtained, adapted and equipped with the
result that a nursery in the Barnes parish was opened on the 23rd
September, and one in the Mortlake parish on the 26th October,
1942, for 45 and 50 children respectively.
The staffs of each of these nurseries have been provided in accordance
with the standards laid down by the Ministry of Health.