View report page

138
In anticipation of the establishment of a Regional Hospital
Chest Clinic under the recently introduced Health Service Act, a new
Tuberculosis Care Committee was formed in 1947 and an Almoner
was appointed specifically for this work. At the same time arrangements were made with Dr. Young for the Senior Chiropodist to treat
diabetic patients, one session per week, at St. Alfege's Hospital. In
accordance with decisions taken earlier two new Clinics—Fairfield
House and Ridgebrook Road—were also opened by the Council
during 1947, bringing the total number of Welfare Clinics in
operation to 8.
The year 1948 witnessed the greatest change in Public Health
Administration since the inception of the Metropolitan Boroughs—
in July all M. & C.W. functions, Day Nurseries, Chiropodists, Home
and Domestic Helps, Welfare Centres, Cleaners and Caretakers were
transferred to the London County Council, and the Tuberculosis
Medical Officer, Dispensary, Clerk and Caretaker were transferred
to the Regional Hospital Board. It remains to be seen whether
centralisation of control of the Personal Health Services will prove
as efficient as the original local control.
In July 1948, following the changes resulting from the transfer
of functions under the National Health Service Act, Dr. Waldron took
up his appointment with the London County Council as Divisional
Medical Officer for Division 6. He continued, however, to act in a
part-time capacity as Medical Officer of Health for the Borough until
June 1949, when the present Medical Officer assumed responsibility.
During 1949, much legislation was introduced to ensure a purer
and more wholesome supply of milk to the public and an attempt to
standardise Rodent Control was made by the introduction of the
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, which became operative
early in 1950.
With a view to raising the hygienic standards in food and
other premises throughout the Borough to a level above those
strictly enforceable in law, a Guild of Hygiene was inaugurated in
January of 1950 thus providing, in the Council's Jubilee Year, an
appropriate climax to 50 years of solid progress.
This synopsis shows clearly that the Greenwich Borough Council
has always been in the van of progressive Local Authoritiers and that
it can be satisfied with its part in the foundation and maintenance of
excellent Public Health Services.
A. H. H.