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many of them were too ill to do so or were in hospital and
it was consequently necessary to seek information about
their condition from their own doctors.
The services of the Medical Officer of Health or his
Deputy are rightly, frequently sought when members of the
staff are taken ill whilst on duty, and they are often
consulted by officers about personal health problems.
These arrangements, which are working admirably, are
undoubtedly of considerable value both to the staff and
to the Council. They ensure that sick members of the staff
are receiving proper medical attention and treatment with
a view of speeding their recovery, thus ensuring that their
absence from duty is reduced to a minimum.
Naturally, there have been instances where the medical
examination has revealed the presence of an abnormality
of which the subject was unaware; this has enabled prompt
referral to be made to the family doctor who arranges the
necessary further investigation and treatment.
In addition, Dr. Marsh, the Consultant Chest Physician
at the Camberwell Chest Clinic, is kind enough to provide
information of the progress and condition of any Council
employee who is under his care, although he or she may not
be absent from duty.
It will be seen, therefore, that the Medical Officer
of Health and his Deputy occupy a position in relation to
the Council's staff similar to that of a medical officer
of a large industrial concern to the mutual benefit of
both the employer and the employed. Useful information is
also obtained on the incidence and causes of absences from
work.