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result of the very conditions experienced in the year which saw the
end of hostilities and the start of the difficult transition period before
normal times return.
DAY NURSERY.
The 50-place Day Nursery, which was opened in April, 1943, as a
war-time measure, continued during 1945 to fill its important role as
an integral part of the Corporation's Maternity and Child Welfare
Services.
Situated at Spencer Road, Hackbridge, the prefabricated sectional
building was erected specially for its purpose and the children are
excellently cared for in light, airy surroundings. The children are
medically inspected at frequent, regular intervals and the physical
improvement noticed in all cases very shortly after admission to the
nursery is a tribute to the care and attention given to them by the
staff.
Staff difficulties during the summer months of 1945 caused a certain
amount of anxiety, the shortage of personnel in all branches of
the nursing profession being equally acute in the case of nurses
experienced in or desirous of taking up nursery work. Much appreciated
help was given by the Nursing Appointments Section of the
Ministry of Labour and National Service in overcoming these difficulties
and the department was indeed fortunate, with their assistance,
in securing the services of: Mrs. E. E. Shepherd, S.R.N., as matron to
All a vacancy which arose at a very difficult period.
As will be observed from the analysis of attendances, in the early
months of the year a sharp attack of measles resulted in a noticeable
falling off of attendances, but generally the health of the children was
uniformly good and was no doubt the result of the good, regular feeding
and the well-ordered routine which obtained at the nursery.