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and is much appreciated by them, and I desire to express on
their behalf their many thanks to the Chairman for her help
in getting the canteen established.
NURSING STAFF. The shortage of nursing staff
persisted during the year. The shortage, as usual, was most
apparent in the Maternity Unit. It is to be hoped that this
will be overcome to some measure when the expanded Maternity
Unit is recognised as a training school for pupil midwives by the
Central Midwives' Board.
DOMESTIC STAFF. The shortage of domestic staff was
not so acute during the year.
KITCHEN. The main kitchen is in need of modernisation,
with appropriate staffing.
HOSPITAL LAUNDRY. The laundry is inadequate for
the Hospital requirements. I have again to record the good
work done by the staff in this department with the equipment
at present available.
In conclusion, I would like once again to thank all members
of the staff at Forest Gate Hospital for their co-operation and
good work, which has contributed to the well-being of the
patients during the year 1947. I must once again, in this
connection, specially mention the nursing staff of the Maternity
Unit, where again the major portion of the work fell.
I have also to acknowledge the ready help and co-operation
at all times of the staff of the Public Health Department, the
Chairman (Alderman Mrs. D. Parsons, J.P.), and members of
the Health Committee, and the Visiting Rota Committee, for
their help and consideration shown at all times when dealing
with the matters and well-being of the patients and staff at
Forest Gate Hospital.
CENTRAL HOME
This Institution, which is owned and controlled by the
Social Services Committee, is used as administrative buildings
and for housing chronic sick, mental and able-bodied persons.
The number of persons admitted to the chronic sick section
during the year was 937 (males 497, females 440). There were
162 discharges (males 78, females 84), and 699 deaths (males
368, females 331).
FOREST HOUSE
Forest House is situated in the same grounds as Whipps
Cross Hospital, but is controlled by the Social Services Committee.
The accommodation provides mainly for aged men and
women, epileptics and mental patients.
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