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On the environmental side, although progress is steady but unspectacular,
much has yet to be done about housing, and the supervision of the
health of the factory worker, especially the adolescent, is uneven throughout
the country. Many factories have excellent medical facilities; in
others, little if anything is done to ensure that individuals are fit and
remain fit for the job they are performing.
The extension of B.C.G. vaccination to many vulnerable classes, which
is already well under way in the County, may help, but all present indications
are that the same spectacular results from it cannot be expected as
in the diphtheria immunisation campaign. There seem to be other
constitutional and environmental factors at work.
For the third successive year it is pleasing to record the absence of
diphtheria.
Unfortunately, there was an increase in the incidence of poliomyelitis
from 1 to 11 cases. A careful check of all patients revealed no definite
connection between them, nor could a path of infection be traced with
any certainty. The majority of cases were in the younger age groups and
in no case was definite relationship between immunisation or trauma to
paralysis established. Details of one doubtful case, however, were
supplied to the Medical Research Council.
During the year the Department have been called to assist old persons
living alone and unable to obtain proper care and attention. In no
instance were compulsory powers for removal used and I am glad to
record the help and co-operation which I received from Dr. Mester, the
Geriatrician at St. Alfege's Hospital; no urgent case requiring admission
has been refused. Similarly, officers of local institutions have afforded
us every facility and have admitted needy cases for us at short notice.
The shortage of housing accommodation and the continued necessity
to use sub-standard property in the Borough still presents a great problem.
Strenuous efforts continue to be made by the Sanitary Inspectors to keep
such properties in reasonable repair and to reduce to a minimum the
hardships suffered by many residents, but, of course, the only permanent
solution will be the eventual clearance of large sites.
I am glad to acknowladge my indebtedness to the staff of the Health
Department. Similarly, the Town Clerk and other chief officers and
deputies have shown me much kindness and help. In conclusion, I
would like to thank my Chairman and Vice-Chairman and members of
the Health Committee for their support and encouragement throughout
the year.
I remain,
Your obedient Servant,
John Kerr Brown,
Medical Officer of Health.