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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.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you for your consideration a
report on the health and sanitary circumstances of the Borough for
1961.
The report follows a similar pattern to that of previous years
which enables easy reference and comparison. The sections give you
a guide to the varied work carried out by your Public Health Department.
It only remains for me to stress here an important aspect of
our work. Namely Infectious Diseases. On March 28th, 1961, I
was notified that a child aged 7 years had a positive swab for diphtheria
and, on clinical examination, she was a classical case of
membranous diphtheria of the throat. Immediately that late
afternoon and evening all contacts were seen and swabbed. On
the reswabbing a few days later a second child was positive and
removed to hospital as a carrier.
Late in May two mild cases were diagnosed and also numerous
carriers. From this short account it can be seen that great care must
be taken to ensure a high level of active immunity. This, of course,
means regular attendance at clinics for our infants and children to
receive the necessary injections.
May I extend my thanks to members of the Council and to
the Public Health Committee for their support and encouragement
during the year, also to all members of the staff for their help and
loyal support.
I am, Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. E. EPSOM.