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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
1962. The report follows the similar pattern 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.
Of special interest was the opening of the Municipal Club extension
by the Mayor, Cllr. Mrs. Coyle. This extension provided much
needed space for the ever increasing membership and activities of
our 'young' old people.
Several groups of youths from Bermondsey clubs, some Guy's
Hospital students, pupils from Aylwin Girls School and Bede House
students commenced visiting the lonely aged in their homes. They
visit in pairs during the evenings and week-ends and, as well as having
a friendly chat with the old person, they make themselves useful
where necessary. This is much to be encouraged and it is a good
supplement to all our other services especially the week-end meals on
wheels service which caters for the frail and ill housebound lonely
old people who would otherwise have no visitors over the week-end
periods. The part played by the mid-week meals service, the incontinent
laundry service, home help service etc., and a whole host
of wonderful work by the voluntary bodies does much to ease their
lot.
The dread of smallpox was before us during this year and, like
most other Public Health Departments, numerous visits, investigations
and vaccinations were carried out to exclude the possibilities
of infection being brought into the area and spreading.
As promised in the last year's annual report the complete article
on staphylococcal food poisoning due to cheese is now included in
this report.
May I extend my thanks to members of the Council and to my
Public Health Committee for their support and encouragement
during the year, also to all members of the staff for their help and
support.
I am, Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. E. EPSOM.