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9
There are many obstacles in the way, not the least of which is in
stimulating the interest and enthusiasm of those engaged in the more
menial tasks in large kitchens. This is a difficult problem. Perhaps
enlightened supervision may be the answer and it is in this regard
that an active Guild of Hygiene can play an important role in advocating
codes of practice appropriate to the trade, organising lectures
and film shows and generally educating the food traders on hygiene
matters.
From what I have said it should not be assumed that standards
in Greenwich are lower than in other areas: Greenwich compares
very favourably with boroughs of a similar character and the fact
that last year we had only 6 notified cases of food poisoning puts the
position in correct perspective; but we must also take into account
the fact that cases of severe diarrhoeas and gastro-intestinal upsets do
occur in large numbers and are not notified ; but, of course, this
problem must not be measured solely in terms of the statistical
yardstick. Nevertheless, many premises leave a great deal to be
desired and barely meet minimum legal requirements and it is the
owners of such premises that we are anxious to encourage.
If progress means anything at all we should spare no efforts to
raise the general level in the Borough to that of the best. We have
goodly hopes of eventual success.
I have performed the day-to-day administration of the Personal
Health Services in Greenwich for the Divisional Medical Officer.
It would be ungracious of me in this report to make comment on
any administrative arrangements which have been made by another
Authority, but, personally, I welcome the opportunity of playing
some part in the running of the Personal Health Services and I
gladly acknowledge the consideration which has been shown to me
by Dr. Waldron, the Divisional Medical Officer. I am also grateful
to him for supplying statistics concerned with the personal health
services in the area.
I wish to thank the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the
Public Health Committee for their support and confidence and I am
glad to acknowledge the help and co-operation I have received from
the Town Clerk and other Chief Officers. Finally, I must record my
appreciation of the loyalty and good service given by each member
of the Health Department.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
J. Kerb Brown,
Medical Officer of Health