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CAM 31
Public Health Department,
Town Hall, Camberwell, S.E.5.
30th September, 1943.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors,
of the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell.
Mr. Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors,
This report, like those previously Issued during the War
merely records in statistical form the work carried out during
the year in connection with the more important services and
follows the Ministry of Health's suggestions for the preparation
of annual reports during War time.
The respite from sustained nightly bombing enabled more
attention to be given to the repair of War damaged houses and
particularly to such basic Public Health Services as Sanitary
Inspection, Infant Welfare and the Prevention and Control of
Infectious and other Diseases.
The year's work also included breaking new ground by the
initiation and development of a scheme for the establishment of
a number of War-time nurseries in various parts of the Borough.
This programme contemplated the establishment of twelve Nurseries
and at this date there remains one Nursery to be opened in
the North Peckham district, which it is hoped will be ready for
occupation in the course of the next week or two, to complete
the scheme.
In response to the appeal by the Minister of Health to
Local Authorities to secure the immunisation of the greatest
possible number of children against Diphtheria during the summer
months, an intensive propaganda campaign was conducted throughout
the Borough by leaflet distribution, poster displays, and
personal contacts by the Health Visitors and Sanitary Inspectors.
As a result of these activities it became necessary to establish
a chain of Clinics to meet the demand for treatment.
It is extremely satisfying to note that the interest of the
parents in this all important matter of securing protection for
their children is well sustained as the attendances at the Clinics
continue to show.
An increase in the number of cases of Scabies and Vermin
ifestations has to be reported and was reflected in the work
of the Cleansing Centre at Peckham Park Road Depot. In some
cases patients were unable to leave their work to attend the
Centre for treatment at the appointed times and in the interests
of the War effort and of the affected persons themselves
facilities were offered for treatment in the evenings, an arrangement
which proved its value and was much appreciated by the persons
concerned.
A re-arrangement of the Tuberculosis work of the Borough
followed on the release for Military Service of Dr. C. F. Price,
the Tuberculosis Officer and Deputy Medical Officer of Health.