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Borough of Bermondsey
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Borough of
Bermondsey.
I have the honour to present my Annual Report on the
health and sanitary circumstances of the Borough.
Several new projects have been undertaken during this last
year but of particular importance has been the work carried out
amongst elderly people. Interesting results are available from the
survey of old people now being undertaken in the Borough. Information
is already available on some 800 cases fully investigated
and a further 800 case reports will be available for study at a later
date. If the figures published are a true reflection of the position
in regard to old people in Bermondsey as a whole, then the implications
are a matter for serious consideration. Housing policy may
have to be remoulded in the light of these findings to cope with the
increasing numbers of old people. Furthermore, there is little doubt
that fuller powers should be given to Borough Councils who wish
to undertake a progressive and courageous policy of help to the
elderly.
Once again dysentery has been a problem in some of the
schools in the Borough. In order that the investigations and follow
up of cases could be more satisfactorily and speedily undertaken, a
request was made to the Minister to extend notification to include
acute gastro enteritis. This has now come into effect for a trial
period of 3 years but already it has shown that it is a worth while
procedure. A number of outbreaks have been abated at an early
stage by exclusion of patients with diarrhoea.
The Municipal Club has well justified its inception, having
brought comfort, good food and happiness to many. As a result
of its steady growth and obvious success the Council are now