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As a temporary measure the Milson Road Clinic was transferred from dilapidated premises to a temporary,
well-designed, hut rather small prefabricated building pending the construction of a health centre on an
adjacent site.
CHIROPODY
National shortage of qualified Chiropodists is now acute. At present 150 are trained each year, which barely
replaces the annual wastage from this profession which, because of low pay and poor propects, loses almost as
many as it trains. There is also a drain from local authority work to private practice because it is more
lucrative.
The solution includes more training schools for state registered chiropodists, the inauguration of training
for foot hvgienists or auxiliaries to augment the work of the chiropodist by undertaking routine treatments,
and most of all improved remuneration with removal of existing anomalies. A new purpose-built foot clinic
was opened at Nye Bevan House to replace the old clinic at St. Dunstans. The facilities and service to the
patients at this centre has been considerably improved.
The increased use of the Appliance Laboratory has advanced the long-term management of foot disorders.
More patients have had the special treatment they need, and it has been particularly useful in treating people
with rheumatic conditions. Patients can be fitted with insulated insoles for their shoes which prevents chilling
and other harmful effects of the damp and cold.
ADMINISTRATION
During the year the process of establishing self-contained administrative arrangements for the Health
Department, to replace the central administration of the Health and Social Services, was being finalised. This
entailed a great deal of additional work for the administrative staff concerned, particularly for the Chief
Administrative Officer, Mr. J.E. Burton. At the end of 1972 Mr. Burton decided that his future career lay in
the field of Social Services. The loss of this very able and experienced Officer was very much regretted, but
sincere thanks are due to him for his excellent contribution to the work of the Health Department since its
inception in 1964. A very warm welcome was extended to Mr. J. Rozzier, who succeeded Mr. Burton in the
post of Chief Administrative Officer. As a result of the good relations immediately established between these
two Officers, the new health administration was very smoothly and quickly finalised.
CONCLUSION
Sincere thanks and appreciation are expressed to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Members of the
Health Committee for their support and interest in the work of the Health Department during 1972.
Dr. A. B. Stewart, Medical Advisor to the Greater London Council, along with his medical, dental and
administrative colleagues at County Hall were once again most helpful. Gratitude is expressed to them as well
as to the Public Analyst, the Consultant Chest Physicians, and the Consultant Venereologist for their cooperation
and advice at all times as well as for their contribution to this Report. The medical profession, both
in hospital and general practice, were also most co-operative and thanks is expressed to them as well as to the
officers of the Inner London Executive Council and Local Medical Committee.
The professional, administrative and other staff of the Health Department all earned very well deserved
thanks for their combined efforts and hard work during 1972. A particularly heavy burden fell on those
members of the staff immediately responsible for the medical, dental, nursing, environmental, chiropody,
health education and administrative services and one must be particularly grateful to them for this.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your Obedient Servant,
A. D. C. S. CAMERON,
Medial Officer of Health and
Director of Health Services
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