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organisation of these largely pioneer services in the
borough.
There is a very full account of the mental health
services in the body of this report, and I will refrain
from reporting further on this important subject. I
would like, however, to quote a paragraph from the
preface to Dr A C T Perkins' Health Report for
Middlesex for 1955- 'From such work as has already
been carried out in the sphere of preventive mental
medicine, it is emerging ever more clearly that the
seeds of later mental illness are sown in earliest childhood
and fostered by faulty parent-child relationships.
The local authority clearly has a dual role here'. How
true are these words, and they should encourage all
those doctors, nurses and social workers who work
with the family in child welfare to redouble their
efforts.
Day Nurseries
The three day nurseries in the borough play an
important role in the day care of children under the
age of five years whose mothers are unsupported, or
who for some reason or another are unable to take
full care of their children during the day.
Since the Middlesex County Council estimated the
day nursery provision for the area which now
constitutes the borough, conditions have changed considerably,
and it is obvious that the existing provision
is inadequate. The decision to admit handicapped
children has increased the pressure on day nursery
places. These children benefit greatly from contact
with normal children, the mother who is often under
strain benefits from the help provided and the child
can be assessed before reaching school age.
The pattern of earlier marriage and earlier child
bearing has resulted in a higher proportion of separation
and divorce. The number of unmarried mothers
has also increased. The health of children from
problem families is at risk due to emotional insecurity
and inadequate mothering. Day nursery admission
can help to reduce the stress and strain in such homes
and helps to avoid the necessity of taking the children
into care.
During the latter part of the year the demand for
day nursery places increased considerably. The
nurseries are now working to full capacity and there
is a waiting list for admission at two of the nurseries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after an exciting though exhausting
year, I would say, that on the whole, the staff of the
Department of Health are optimistic in regard to the
future. Relationships with other new departments are
settling into place, and it is to be hoped that a reasonable
period of stability will now be allowed to the
new London Borough of Hounslow.
Since the formation of the new borough, the
rapprochement and considerably closer integration of
our services with those of the family doctor and with
our colleagues in all disciplines within the hospital
field is another reason for our optimism.
Appreciation
I would like to thank the family doctors and
hospital staff for their help on numerous occasions
and for their friendly co-operation during the year.
I would also wish to thank the many voluntary
workers and associations who have contributed so
much to the success of the services.
I would like to express my warmest appreciation
and thanks to every member of the staff of the
Department of Health for their loyal and sustained
application to duty throughout this unprecedented,
yet notable year. A considerable burden of responsibility
has inevitably fallen upon my deputy, Dr M E
Wilkinson and my chief administrative officer, Mr
H L Law, and on all those who have assisted in the
preparation of this report. I would also like to thank
the chief and senior officers of the other departments
of the Council who have helped in so many ways. My
thanks to Mrs Marilyn Sturgeon of the Libraries
Department who designed the cover and general
layout of this report.
I also wish to express my indebtedness to the
chairmen and members of the Health Committee and
the Public Health (Special Powers) Sub-Committee,
the chairmen and members of the Education
Committee and Special Services Sub-Committee for
their understanding and encouragement which has
been a constant source of inspiration to all members
of the department.
28
Medical Officer of Health and
Principal School Medical Officer
Department of Health
92 Bath Road
Hounslow Middlesex