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The extra work involved in this large increase in the number of registrations was
undertaken with existing staff and it was necessary to discontinue routine re-inspections
of the groups because of the number of new applications to be dealt with. Experience
over the year demonstrated the necessity for an additional health visitor/group adviser
and for extra clerical assistance.
Local Authority Day Nurseries
The number of places at Gifford Lodge Day Nursery, Twickenham, was increased
from 40 to 50 in August and this to some extent relieved pressure on the waiting list,
although demand for places at this nursery continued to be high. Waiting lists for the
other two nurseries — Parkshot, Richmond (53 places) and Castelnau, Barnes (45
places) — varied in length during the year; it was not unusual for a child to wait six
months for a place at a nursery.
Mayoral Visits
All three day nurseries were visited at Christmas time by the Mayoress, Mrs. D.
G. Harris, a visit which was greatly appreciated. Gifford Lodge Day Nursery was also
honoured in April by a visit from the then Mayor and Mayoress, Alderman and Mrs.
Nation, who showed great interest in the children and the work of the staff.
Daily Minders
There were no daily minders receiving fees from the authority at the end of the
year.
Day Care of Children under Five
In my last report, I stated that among the suggestions made by the Minister of
Health in his circular (37/68) issued in October 1968, was one that authorities should
prepare revised standards of accommodation and care applicable to establishments that
were responsible for the day care of children under five.
Accordingly a printed leaflet containing the standards required of child-minders
and private day nurseries was prepared and is issued to all applicants for registration
under the Nurseries and Child-Minders Regulation Act, 1948 (as amended).
Welfare Foods
The Council is responsible for the distribution of welfare foods (National Dried
Milk, cod liver oil, fruit juices, etc.) supplied by the Department of Health and Social
Security.
In addition various proprietary brands of dried milk and dietary supplements are
sold at the child health clinics on the recommendation of the medical officers, health
visitors or family doctors. I gratefully acknowledge the work of all voluntary helpers.
Cervical Cytology
During the year 1,129 women made 1,323 attendances at the six well-woman
clinics in the Borough. Three women had positive smear tests. All were referred to
their personal medical attendant for further investigation.
In earlier annual reports, I made reference to a pilot scheme organised by Dr. O.
A. N. Husain, M.D., M.C. Path., Consultant Pathologist, St. Stephen's Hospital,
Chelsea, for cyto-screening for cervical carcinoma by the hospital laboratory of specimens
taken from women in the over 35 years age group. A number of women
attending the Borough clinics in Richmond and Barnes, the catchment area served by
the South West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board, volunteered to take part in
this trial.
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