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Adults.
Increasing attention was being given nationally throughout the year to the problem
of the adult spastic, although on a smaller scale than as in the case of children.
As with epilepsy, this condition is not notifiable and, therefore, its true
incidence in the community cannot be determined, but in the cases registered as disabled
persons suitable employment is arranged so far as is possible in conjunction with the
various welfare and other organisations concerned. In addition, any adult spastic brought
to notice as in need of residential accommodation or specialised treatment or training is
referred to the Chief Welfare Officer.
The provision of Welfare Services for Handicapped Persons under Section 29 of the
National Assistance Act, 1948, is the responsibility of the Welfare Committee and proposals
for developing such services have been under discussion during the year.
Medical Examinations.
During the year, the medical officers of the department carried out the following
examinations:-
Entrants to the Council Service, In connection with
and applicants for admission to the Council's
Superannuation Scheme. Protracted
Sickness Scheme.
Borough Engineer's Department 41 207
Borough Treasurer's Department 18 6
Chief Welfare Officer's Department
& Blind Welfare Department 4 10
Borough Architect's Department 10
Children's Department 31 8
Fire Service 12 5
Libraries 10 4
Bath's Department 1 3
Housing Department 2 1
Town Clerk's Department 4
Health Department 39 26
Education Department 102 57
Totals: 274 327
In addition 32 routine annual medical examinations of sewermen employed in the Borough
Engineer's Department and initial examinations of 7 members appointed to the Cumberland Road
Day Nursery were performed. Arrangements were also made with other authorities for the
medical examination of 24 entrants to the West Ham Education Service to be performed in their
home areas.
Twenty-nine candidates from the 3orough applying for entry to training colleges or
University departments of Education were also examined in accordance with the Ministry of
Education policy and the reports duly forwarded to the appropriate college authority.
Chest X-ray examinations were arranged for all new entrants whose duties bring them into
close contact with children, and also for other employees whom it is desirable to x-ray annuallyTwo
hundred and ninety such examinations were performed, the employees being chiefly in the Health,
Education and Children's Departments of the Corporation.
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