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His Worship the Mayor of West Ham, Alderman Lowe, J.P., graciously consented to perform
the opening ceremony. This exhibition was not intended for the public, but for all those
responsible for individual or family welfare. Guests included Councillors, medical
representatives from the Ministry of Health, medioal and nursing staff from neighbouring
Boroughs and local hospitals, and representatives from the local retail trade. Unfortunately,
the Chairman of the Health Committee was unable to be present, but we are grateful to the
Chairman of the Education Committee who kindly took the chair.
The display consisted of feminine garments for all ages, made of materials naturally
flame resistant or artificially treated, so that if ignition took plaoe there would be
smouldering instead of searing flame. Linked with the showing of these garments was a
demonstration on the correct guarding of fires of all types.
In November all staff in the Borough combined to bring every aspect of the "Guard
that Fire" campaign to the notice of the public.
Another worthwhile development in the Borough's effort to promote interest in the
prevention of accidents in the home, has been the arrangement by which a health visitor
has attended each meeting of new tenants of Council property. The purpose of this has
been to provide an opportunity for a brief but helpful explanation of some of the safety
measures that householders need to take to ensure the safety of their homes. By the end
of the year, health visitors had attended eight meetings and their contribution has become
an established item on the Agenda; this provides another example of useful co-operation
between Housing and Health Departments.
Health Visitors Consultative Committee
Eight meetings were held during the year. These meetings of health visitors elected
by their colleagues on an area basis, with the Medical Officer of Health, Senior Medical
Offioer and Senior Nursing Officers continue to provide opportunities for valuable discussion,
and have included many aspects of the health visitors and school nurses contribution
towards the promotion of the health of the Borough.
Health Visitors General Meetings
Four meetings were held during the year. Guest speakers included the Senior Dental
Officer, Chief Welfare Officer and the Headmistress of the Elizabeth Fry Special School for
Physically Handioapped Pupils. On several occasions films were shown to help to illustrate
the speaker's subject. These meetings form an effective contribution to the whole plan of
in-service training arranged for the Borough's health visitors.
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