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activities should be properly co-ordinated, overlapping should
be avoided and existing gaps adequately filled. This, together
with some focal point to which old people in need of any kind of
assistance can apply for help, should go far towards a proper
understanding of the problem and a fuller knowledge of the various
ways in which it can be solved.
No one can deny that this is one of the most urgent pressing
problems facing us today Nor can one deny that the solution
is by no means easy Indeed when one dwells on what is happening
and thinks of the inexpressible misery and distress to which so
many old folk are subjected.it sometimes appears that a national
approach must soon be made. In the meantime, we must do what we
can for the old folk in Wood Green. As I have already indicated,
much is already being done If we can determine what more is required
and how best out efforts can be expended we will have at
least made a substantial contribution to this quite critical
situation.
Laboratory Facilities
Once again, we did not have to call upon the Laboratory to
any extent during 1955, owing to the absence of major outbreaks
of infectious disease or any other untoward happenings. None the
less, I would place on record my personal appreciation of the
great help extended to the Public Health Department by the Director
and staff of the Central Public Health Laboratory at Colindale
and also by Mr. G. McGimpsey,the Bacteriologist in charge of the
Branch Laboratory at Coppetts Wood Hospital This help has invariably
been forthcoming in generous measure It has not only been
of practical' assistance, but remains a safeguard upon which we
know we can always rely