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8
proved cover for those obstetric emergencies which arise at home
and particularly for mothers living in the western part of the
Borough. I should like to take the opportunity of expressing our
very sincere appreciation of the many indications of eagerness to
work closely with our domiciliary service which we have experienced
from the Consultant Obstetrician of the new Unit and the
senior nursing staff.
During the year, in consultation with the Public Analyst, whose
full report is included within, we reviewed the numbers and types
of foods and drugs which under modern conditions of food production
and manufacture ought to be submitted for analysis. As
a result, the Health Committee approved alterations both in the
numbers and also the types of foods and drugs to be sampled and
the changes undoubtedly will enable better value to be obtained
from the amount of money available for this important work.
Housing continued to require a good deal of attention, particularly
houses in multiple occupation, and the work here has
been pressed with vigour. However, the work of the Environmental
Health Section of the Department was again handicapped
by shortage of public health inspectors although the extended use
of technical assistants has again proved its value, and has enabled
the work to proceed of inspecting and, where necessary, reporting
upon houses in multiple occupation; of declaring Smoke Control
Areas; and inspecting offices and shops. As regards offices and
shops, sanction was received to increase the number of technical
assistants available for this work.
In conjunction with the Establishment Officer and the Training
and Recruitment Officer, we formulated new schemes (subsequently
approved by the Establishment Committee) for the training of
various categories of staff in the Department. As a result, our
facilities for training staff were appreciably improved and although
lack of suitable candidates, particularly of health visitor students,
was a problem, nevertheless these improved resources are bound
to produce nothing but good in the long term. There can be no
question whatsoever that an enlightened and forward-looking
training programme for most of the professional and technical
staff in the Health Department is almost the only way by which
the Department can ensure an adequate intake of qualified and
trained personnel.
Having been without a Principal Dental Officer for two and a half
years it was a pleasure to welcome Mr. A. F. Weedon to the
Department on his appointment to the position. I make further
reference to Mr. Weedon's appointment in my Report as Principal
School Medical Officer but his work for dental health generally
will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the children of the Borough.
During the year, Mr. G. W P. Weeks, the Chief Public Health
Inspector, decided on medical advice that he must retire from his