London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Merton 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Merton]
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2. POTTERY SECTION. This provides facilities for the more
intelligent and develops their aesthetic appreciation and skills.
It is also beneficial as a means of strengthening palm dexterity
in the less fortunate handicapped trainees.
3. WOODWORK SECTION. This Section uses advanced
machinery and fulfils the needs of more able trainees.
4. INDUSTRIAL SECTION. This Section deals with contract
work obtained from industrial firms in the area, such
as light packing, collating, coiling, and light assembly work.
5. GARDENING SECTION. A 40ft. by 60ft. hothouse, and
a small plot of land provide opportunities for training in
simple gardening. This Section also undertook to maintain
the grounds of the Centre, with considerable success.
The Centre was officially opened by Mr. Walter Lines, C.B.E.,
on 2nd April, when the guests included representatives from the various
statutory and local bodies, and from local industry.
Staffing
The Authority provided an establishment, exclusive of the
Manager, which would give a ratio of one instructor to ten trainees,
and the staff of instructors was recruited from applicants with experience
suited to the needs of the Sections of the Centre's activities.
As will be seen from the table below, the Centre expanded quickly and attendances were good. From 39 trainees in January, the number rose to 78 by the end of the year.
| Males | Females | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of trainees at beginning of year | 24 | 15 | 39 |
| No. of trainees at 31.12.70 | 46 | 32 | 78 |
| No. of attendances made during year | 13,011 |
Day Centre
The Day Centre in Queen's Road, Wimbledon, for the Mentally
and Physically Handicapped which was jointly operated by the
Health and Welfare Departments made steady progress during the
year, although there were some staffing difficulties.
At the end of the year ten mentally ill persons were in attendance.
SHORT-TERM CARE
During the year, the Authority provided periods of short-term
care in 35 cases, compared with 31 cases in 1969. This is an illustration
of the increased demand made for the facilities when their
availability is known to those families in need.
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