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9
Continued shortages, and the rate of deterioration of old
property, have made the task of sanitary surveillance difficult.
The inspectorial staff are to be commended on the results achieved,
and the amount of detailed work carried out. Routine complaints
and revisits now absorb an undue proportion of the Sanitary
Inspectors' time, and their preventive functions which follow house
to house inspection of the district, must wait on further improvement
of the housing situation generally.
Special attention has been paid to all aspects of Food inspection,
and emphasis is laid on education and propaganda in raising the
standard of food storage, preparation and handling.
The effect of recent high Birth Rates is reflected in the attendances
at Welfare Centres, and the Health Visiting staff have done
excellently in shouldering additional clinic work without impairing
the efficiency of the important service of home visiting. Fairfield
House, Charlton, and Ridgebrook Road, Kidbrooke, were combined
Centres opened in 1947.
The Council's Chiropody scheme was further extended and a
record total of attendances reached. There is no doubt that this
service is much appreciated, and that it contributes in no small
way to local comfort and general health.
The extension of the Tuberculosis After-Care scheme was
completed during the year. In present circumstances, only close
attention to the domiciliary supervision and after-care of this
disease can prevent a greatly increased incidence. It is gratifying
to be able to record that the Council's scheme provides a high
standard of Tuberculosis control, and reflects great credit on the
Committee and Officers directly concerned.
In concluding this introduction, acknowledgment is gladly
made to the loyal and co-operative staff whose work is recorded
in the report. Thanks are also due for the help and advice so
willingly available from colleagues in other departments.
Finally, grateful acknowledgment is made to the Chairmen
and Members of the Public Health and Maternity and Child Welfare
Committees, whose interest and unfailing consideration have been
so helpful during the year.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
F. R. Waldron,
Medical Officer of Health