London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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West Ham 1946

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]

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5. 50 Yards Race (junior children).
6. Boundary Race (men).
7. 100 Yards Race (girls).
8. Sack Race (school children).
9. Egg and Spoon Race (women).
10. Obstacle Race (men).
11. Skipping Race (women).
12. Musical Chairs (older women).
13. Boat Race (men).
14. Blindfolded Boxing Match (male staff).
15. Tilt the Bucket (staff).
16. Treacle Bun Race (mixed patients).
17. Two Clowns.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.
Christmas Day: a.m., Service—Choir. Christmas trees
(Limes, Laurels and School); p.m., Concert.
Boxing Day: a.m., Treasure Hunt; p.m., Children's
Concert.
27.12.46: Children's Tea Party.
28.12.46: p.m., Patient's Dance (Dance Band).
31.12.46: Staff Dance (Fancy Dress).
1.1.47: Cinema for Patients.
3.1.47: Naivette School of Dancing—Concert.
6.1.47: Resident Staff Dinner and Party.
8.2.47: Irina School of Dancing—Concert.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES. The patients attend religious
services in the local churches in South Ockendon. On Sunday
morning between 35-40 patients attend the Congregational
Church, in the evening from 10-15 attend the Church of England
service, while once a month a Roman Catholic service is held
in the Colony, and advantage of this service is taken as well
by Roman Catholic parishioners in the neighbourhood. A
special service on Christmas morning was conducted and
addressed by the Revd. Pace, of South Ockendon Congregational
Church.
VISIT BY OFFICER OF BOARD OF CONTROL. On
the 1st May, 1946, a visit was paid to the Colony by Mr. J. C.
Rawlinson, Commissioner of the Board of Control. His report,
which was considered a satisfactory one, has been duly submitted
to the Council.
STAFF. The shortage of nursing staff has persisted
throughout the year, although the position has improved on
last year. This improvement is due partly to the recruitment
of nurses from Eire, partly to the temporary staffing of the villa
for little boys by men, and partly to the employment of parttime
women staff. The recruitment of male nurses has necessitated
the turning over of part of the Nurses' Home for the
accommodation of men, and this fact stresses the urgent need
for the enlargement of the Nurses' Home and for the
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