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11
has slightly increased. On the other hand, there has been an
increase of over 20% in lung cancer and in carcinoma of the breast.
This reverses the trend noted last year, and it seems clear that the
preventive measures against lung cancer must be continued with
vigour, particularly to eliminate unnecessary atmospheric pollution
and to reduce the consumption of tobacco. Fortunately the high
incidence of pneumonia last year has not been repeated and
bronchitis shows a reduction.
The large increase in the incidence of notifiable infectious
diseases is due mainly to measles, although there were significant
increases in scarlet fever and whooping cough. Once again the
Borough was free from diphtheria and enteric fevers. Although
not yet notifiable. 19 cases of infective hepatitis came to our
attention.
The work of the Environmental Branch continued unobtrusively
and progress in respect of atmospheric pollution, housing and food
inspection and supervision is worthy of commendation.
During the latter part of the year the recruitment position of
health visitors improved, due to the Borough's efforts in accepting
suitable students for training. Although there have been shortages
of staff, the Home Nursing Service has been maintained at a high
level. Several family doctor group practices have been selected for
the secondment of health visitors and home nurses, and a group
practice surgery working alongside and in close partnership with
the local authority staff at 101 Shooters Hill Road has been highly
successful.
There has been further authorised expansion of the Home Help
Service, particularly for the elderly, and it has been possible to
extend further the availability of child helps.
Despite our efforts to stimulate continuing interest in cervical
cytology, the number of "well women" coming forward for this
simple examination is still declining. A breast examination is now
included and other simple screening tests will be added in the
future.
New arrangements were agreed with the Family Planning Association
as a result of the passing of the new Family Planning Act,
which places further obligations on the local health authority for
providing this service.
As part of the new Greenwich District Hospital, a day nursery
is being incorporated in the building and the local authority are
hoping to share the facilities. The absence of a local authority day
nursery in the Borough is a hardship, although emergency needs
can be met either by private day nurseries or by the extensive Child
Minder Service which is available.