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We have continued to give attention to housing repairs, the demolition or
closing of individual unfit houses and progress in slum clearance. We are operating
the clean food provisions of recent legislation. We are studying the new Clean
Air Act in collaboration with the other districts of Middlesex and will keep you
advised. The new designation of Health Inspector is more in keeping with the
modern conception of the functions of this officer; we welcome this new title.
Earlier in the year we set up for the first time a local liaison committee of the
three branches of the National Health Service—the hospital service, the practitioners,
and the local authority health services. Even at the first meeting it was
quite helpful in smoothing away certain difficulties over the question of medical
services for old people and in the midwifery services.
I am indebted to the heads of all sections of the work at Elmfield House, and
in particular to Dr. Cormack, Dr. Whitfield, Mr. Pugh and Mr. Easter for their
zeal and enthusiasm; and also for the soundness of the work of the other 400
people on the staff of the department; I am glad to sing praises for them. I am
specially indebted this year to a number of people in the department for contributions
to this report. They are acknowledged in the articles themselves.
I beg to acknowledge my indebtedness to the Chairman and Members of the
Public Health Committee for their helpfulness and support, which is always of the
greatest encouragement. I desire, also, to acknowledge with thanks the friendly
co-operation and help which I have always received from my colleagues in the
other departments of the Corporation and the other members of the Council.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN MADDISON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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