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9
ment but of the London County Council. Emergency vaccination
clinics were arranged to meet the insistent demands of a worried
population and although on epidemiological grounds so much vaccination
was unnecessary, it was felt that for reasons of morale
the need had to be met. Vaccination facilities were available at
the Town Hall and the local hospitals collected emergency supplies
of lymph from the Department. A daily collection of lymph from
Colindale was instituted and many dozens of doses distributed.
Mention must be made of the tireless work of the officers at the
Town Hall and of the London County Council who staffed clinics
for many long hours during the period of the emergency. As
expected, the demand for authentication of International Certificates
of Vaccination increased, and during the year 2,766 were
approved.
An account of the work in connection with old people is
included in the report and towards the end of the year attention
was being directed to the purchase of a holiday home for our
elderly citizens as a result of new powers being conferred on the
boroughs. It is hoped that by next year suitable seaside premises
will have been found.
The work of the Public Health Inspectors and Food Inspectors
continued along the normal lines, and figures give little impression
of difficult problems faced and decisions taken daily to protect the
health of the citizen. In regard to food importations, action by
the Health Department in this Borough, can, if mistakes are made,
have serious and even tragic consequences throughout the country.
Recent outbreaks of food poisoning and the enteric fevers and
dysenteries which are reported from time to time, show the importance
of having an alert inspectorate and highly trained officers.
The acknowledgments which I have to make for assistance
and guidance are many. The hospitals, particularly the Geriatric
Unit at St. Alfege's under Dr. Mester, have never refused any
reasonable request and I am much indebted to the voluntary
organisations and to the general practitioners. The Public Health
Laboratory Service at County Hall under Dr. Tomlinson, has
dealt expertly and expeditiously with sometimes exhorbitant
demands and I am conscious of my debt to all members of the
staff for their loyalty and understanding.
In conclusion I wish to thank my Chairman and Vice-Chairman
for their help, consideration and support during the year.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
J. Kerr Brown,
Medical Officer of Health.