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TUBERCULOSIS
Mobility of population always has implications for infectious disease, either because of its importation or
because of the introduction of susceptible persons to a new community. This is particularly true of
tuberculosis and the Consultant Chest Physicians at both Hammersmith and Fulham Chest Clinic refer to the
effect of this on local statistics. Against this background the work of the Health Visitors in advising
newcomers to Hammersmith to register with a general medical practitioner and, in particular, to have a chest
X-ray is particularly significant.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
As part of the Authority's strategy to deal with sub-standard housing during the next decade, the public
health inspectorate undertook a survey during 1972. This survey confirmed previous assessments of the
situation by failing to reveal any area in the Borough which contained a number of unfit properties. On the
other hand, it was estimated that there were some 17,000 sub-standard properties which required attention
either by improvement or redevelopment. In an attempt to limit the overcrowding in multi-occupied houses,
some 60 Direction Orders were made during the year. Quite apart from their activities in the housing field, the
public health inspectorate once again in 1972 quietly and unobtrusively, ond on a day-to-day basis, made their
contribution to the health of the residents of the Borough. In this connection, it is gratifying that the
attendances at one of the Chest Clinics on account of bronchitis, "the English disease", is reported as having
been the lowest for many years. The work undertaken by the Public Health Inspectors under the Clean Air Act
must have made some contribution to this state of affairs. Constant vigilance is also necessary and is exercised
in Hammersmith in relation to the possibility of lead pollution, which up to now, has proved to be of
acceptable levels. Nuisance from noise and other sources detrimental to healthy living also received a great
deal of attention during the year.
Invaluable work continued to be carried out during 1972 by the staff at the Medicinal Baths and Treatment
Centre. In contrast to 1971, there wasa welcome reduction in the number of persons requiring treatment for
scabies. The infestation of rooms with fleas and bed bugs was also reduced.
The Superintendent and Staff at the Centre deserve special commendation for work undertaken under
difficult conditions. The health laundry, assisted bathing and the incineration of incontinence pads and
dressings are all invaluable services for the infirm and handicapped and their relatives. The Health Committee
are most anxious to extend the premises at Scotts Road, and meantime have taken first aid action to facilitate
the conduct of the services.
FAMILY PLANNING
An account of the arrangements which the Council have made with the Family Planning Association for the
provision of a comprehensive Family Planning Service in Hammersmith was set out in the Report for 1971. As
from May 1972, the Council decided that not only advice and medical examination but also medical and other
supplies should be entirely free to Borough residents. These arrangements were extended so as to include
drugs and supplies prescribed by general practitioners.
During the year a new clinic and Information Centre was opened in Shepherds' Bush Road, bringing the
number of Family Planning Clinics in the Borough to eight. These developments were accompanied by a
special Health Education campaign and, in particular, a single telephone number available for appointments
at all clinics was widely publicised.
The introduction of a free Family Planning Service in Hammersmith resulted in a 50% increase in clinic
attendances. In so far as family planning is a public health measure designed, quite apart from its many social
implications, to improve maternal and child health, it would seem logical that it should be a free service
available to the vulnerable groups on the same basis as the other maternal and child health services.
NURSING SERVICES
During 1972 the Council approved changes in the management structure of the nursing services so as to
bring the arrangements into line with the recommendations contained in the Mayston Report. The alterations
made have been approved by the Department of Health and Social Security and provide a valuable link
between field staff and the administration. The resultant two-way flow of information enables problems to be
resolved in the light of 'grass roots' requirements.
During the year a fourth hospital Health Visitor liaison scheme was arranged at the Neo-Natal Unit at
Hammersmith Hospital, and further Health Visitor,/General Practitioner attachment and liaison schemes
were initiated.
The demands on the District Nursing Service continued to increase during the year, 18.984 additional visits
being undertaken as compared with 1971. Having regard to the ageing of the population and the increased
infirmity of those elderly persons being nursed at home, the District Nursing Service is emerging as one of the
most important services of the National Health Service. The early transfer home of hospital patients also
increases the need for skilled home nurses. As April 1974 approaches, so hospital staff are more than ever
accompanying the home nursing sisters on their rounds in order to observe at first hand the problems which
each day face the domiciliary nurse.
CHILD HEALTH CENTRES
In October 1972, the Burne Jones Clinic was reopened upon the completion of extensive alterations
designed to increase the available accommodation.
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