View report page

5
to the individual, and even more vital, to the welfare of the family as
a whole, as are good food, pure water and fresh air. No community
can ever be considered a really healthy community or can achieve social
adjustment until it is satisfactorily housed. A major part of the work
of the Health Department is, of course, concerned directly or indirectly
with the living conditions of the people, and we act both under the
Provisions of the Public Health Act and the Housing Acts. Since the
war, most of our work has been conducted under the Public Health Act,
but there are signs that shortly a vigorous attack will be made on the
demolition of insanitary and slum houses, and, at the time of writing,
it is hoped shortly to represent the first area for demolition in Battersea.
The more I see of public health work, and the practice of social
and preventive medicine, the more convinced I become that every effort
to improve the health and welfare of the people must essentially be a
team effort. In this connection, I referred last year to the great help,
kindness and co-operation which I had received from everyone concerned
with the work of the Health Department, and I have the greatest
Pleasure in recording again that this kindly help has continued unstinted
in 1953. I should like, particularly, to thank the two Chairmen of the
Health, Baths and Wash-houses Committee under whom I have served
during the year, namely Councillor Mrs. E. A. Cooper, J.P., and
Alderman Miss E. A. Coles, J.P., and to acknowledge gratefully the
courtesy and assistance which I received from the Committees with
whose work I was concerned. In the same way, the Chief Officers and
the Senior Officers of Battersea have done everything to help me,
Particularly Mr. R. G. Berry, O.B.E., the Town Clerk. Once again the
officers and staff of the Health Department in all sections have given
me loyal service, and it is a pleasure to thank, particularly, my Deputy,
Dr.Garland, and the Chief Sanitary Inspector, Mr. Chuter.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. TUDOR LEWIS,
Medical Officer of Health.
may, 1954.