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and it is fortunate that no complications resulted from these
adverse conditions; perhaps it was as well that the numbers
were so low. It may well be wondered in years to come why
we ever carried on the nurseries during this time. It was a
fact, however, that mothers who brought their children were
influenced by the shelter protection in the nurseries, which,
if not of a better standard of safety, was more comfortable.
Many of the mothers, in addition to carrying on their domestic
responsibilities continued at their work.
All three of the nurseries are recognised by the National
Society of Day Nurseries for training probationers, and the
training on the theoretical side is undertaken by the Wimbledon
Technical College.
In my introductory letter to this report I mentioned that
the ultimate quality of every aspect of our public health
services depends on the quality of the staff. Nowhere is this
more true than in the Nurseries.
From information regarding nurseries in other districts
and from congratulatory opinions expressed by visitors, I have
formed the opinion that we are entitled to be pleased with our
achievement in this respect, and though I am reluctant to
single out any section of the Staff for special mention, it
would be an omission of fact to fail to put on record that it is
due to the quality of the staff, both nursing and teaching,
which we have been so fortunate to recruit, that we have been
able to carry on these nurseries with so few difficulties and
anxieties and with such success.
CLEANSING STATION.
As will be seen from the appended table, 1,625 attendances
were made at the Cleansing Station. This figure compares
with 3,108 attendances in 1943.
Number of cases of Scabies treated 460
Cases of Scabies with concurrent verminous
head 9
Cases of Scabies with Secondary Septic Skin
condition 15
Number of cases of Verminous heads only 58
Total number of attendances at the Centre 1,625
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