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ing the recommendations contained in the Birmingham Report, a further ten receptionists were
authorised as from 1st April 1972, bringing thetotal to 87 which included the Senior Clerk/Receptionist
and six Shift Leaders. On 31 st December there were 13 vacancies.
During the year 45 receptionists were newly recruited; of these two had their services terminated,
as they proved unsatisfactory. Thirty receptionists resigned and in addition one, appointed in 1971,
had her services terminated.
Each receptionist, on submitting her resignation, was requested to complete a questionnaire
indicating the reasons which prompted her decision. The value of these forms was questionable
since they were usually completed by the receptionist in the staff rest room surrounded by her
colleagues who were offering advice on what to include. The impression gained during the year
was that in almost all cases of resignation there was a genuine reason for the move, not in any way
connected with conditions of service or conditions obtaining at the Airport.
The Birmingham Report's recommendation regarding early and late shifts, in addition to day
and night shifts, was brought into operation in March. After meeting with some initial resistance the
arrangements soon began to work smoothly and satisfactorily, and these ensured that the peak
traffic periods were covered at all times.
Plans were drawn up towards the end of the year to introduce a shorter working week with
effect from 1 st January 1973. Associated with this, it was proposed to increase the shift allowance,
but both measures in the event were deferred under the Counter-Inflation Act of 1972.
Another measure introduced in order to make conditions more attractive was the decision to
improve the uniforms and to issue both winter and summer uniforms. This was discussed with the
staff over a long period of time and finally agreement was reached.
Training Courses
As part of the Training Programme for Clerk/Receptionists, it was decided to hold courses of
three or four days' duration which could be attended by newly appointed staff. Two such courses
were held for clerk/receptionists in February and in December, while in June a short course was
attended by the shift/leaders. These courses were organised by the Principal Health Education
Officer and there was general agreement that they were useful and valuable.
The courses included lectures, practical demonstrations, sometimes with slides, and general
discussions in which questions were asked of a panel comprising senior staff. The subjects covered
vaccination, its history and general outline, the World Health Organization, forms and procedures
used routinely by clerk/receptionists in their day-to-day duties tracing their follow-up to destination,
infectious disease and other medical conditions encountered by health control staff, drug addiction
and psychiatric disturbances, first aid and general nursing procedures, the care of the unconscious
and practical instruction in mouth to mouth resuscitation.
As these courses were so well received it is hoped to continue them in 1973.
ACCOMMODATION
Towards the end of the year, negotiations were opened between the Borough and the British
Airports Authority with a view to taking over the two rest rooms in Terminal 3, formerly in the
possession of the Authority. Such rooms had always been included in the basic design of a port
health unit and during the process of time, it seems that succeeding authorities had lost sight of
their original function. Now it is proposed to negotiate with the Authority for similar accommodation
also to be made available to the Health Control Unit in Terminals 1 and 2.
The whole of the Unit's accommodation in Terminal 3 was redecorated towards the end of
the year.
Terminal 1
No alterations took place during the year. Space was provided temporarily for medical examinations
to be carried out on behalf of the British Airports Authority. This was due to alterations taking
place in the Authority's own accommodation in Terminal 2.
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