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Report of tbe Medical Officer of health.
Public Health Department,
35, Brunswick Square, S.E. 5.
June 1st, 1923.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Metropolitan
Borough of Camberwell.
Ladies and Gentlemen,—l have the honour to submit the
annual report on the statistics and the activities of the Public Health
Department for the year 1922.
The report follows the lines laid down by the Ministry of Health,
and the statistical tables prescribed by them are included.
Whilst it is pleasing to report that the work of the Public Health
services is well maintained, yet it is beyond dispute that the education
of the public with regard to health matters leaves much to
be desired, and instruction on such subjects as the causation and
prevention of blindness, the early signs of cancer, the role of the
teeth in health and disease, and the necessity for vaccination and
re-vaccination, etc., is required.
It. would seem that the only way that this could be done is by
the aid of lectures and the distribution of leaflets on these and other
public health matters, and if the Council could look for an Exchequer
grant for this purpose, I would strongly urge a campaign on these
lines.
At the end of March, Dr. Francis Stevens, Medical Officer of
Health, retired owing to ill-health, after twenty-nine years' service,
and the Council appointed him as Consulting Medical Officer of
Health of the Borough, in recognition of his past services. I should
also like to take this opportunity to place on record my appreciation
of his invaluable assistance and advice during my association with
him.
In conclusion, I have to express my indebtedness for the
support and consideration extended to me by the Chairman and
members of the Public Health, the Maternity and Child Welfare
and Housing Committees, and to make public my appreciation of
the work of the staff of the Public Health Department, who have
at all times afforded me their ready assistance.
I am, your obedient Servant,
HOWELL W. BARNES,
Medical Officer of Health.