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The number of attendances at the various Infant Welfare Centres
throughout the town has, over the past few years, shown a remarkable
increase. The rising birth rate has, no doubt, contributed considerably
to this but also it is generally felt that ratepayers are more and more
inclined to take advantage of the various services for the health of
mothers and children provided by the Local Health Authority.
In September 1962 a new Maternity and Child Welfare Clinic was
established at the British Red Cross House in Woodcote Road. The
object of introducing a new Clinic at this site was to meet the demand
of young parents now occupying new properties in the Southern part
of the Borough. There has been much expansion of private dwellings
in this area and many new families are growing up who require these
services. With an average attendance of 50 now in this new Clinic it
is felt that the venture has amply justified itself.
A new Clinic to provide services previously enjoyed at the Grange
Mansion, burnt down in January 1960, is being built in Shotfield and
should be completed early in 1965. It is hoped in these new premises to
combine the School Medical Service, Dental and Physiotherapy clinics
as well as most of the services for Maternity and Child Welfare including
ante-natal clinics and Infant Welfare clinics, together with the sale
of Infant Welfare foods and medicaments.
On Page 21 where records of immunising procedures are recorded,
it will be noticed that during the early part of the year under review
there was a considerable increase in the number of smallpox vaccinations
carried out. This increase is accounted for by the considerable
demand which arose after occurrences of smallpox in Wales and the
North of England.
In conclusion, I wish to place on record my appreciation of the
loyal service and valuable assistance I have received from all members
of my staff throughout the year.
I have the honour to be.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
PATRICK J. O'CONNELL,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
Town Hall, Wallington.
Telephone: Wallington 4500.
July, 1963.
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