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HAH 36
3
Town Hall,
Hammersmith, W.6.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Hammersmith.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,—During 1944
Hammersmith had reason to receive special attention from
the enemy. The consequence was that a considerable
amount of the time of the Public Health staff was occupied
in work directly due to enemy bombing. This meant extra
hours to many, but more important than time was the
friendly spirit in which they tackled the work. The reward
was the satisfaction of work well done.
Another sequel to the bombing was the variation in the
population due to evacuation, which called for considerable
extra work, especially from the staff directly concerned with
the Maternity and Child Welfare section.
The Tuberculosis Clinic lost the services of the Acting
Medical Officer, who was doing excellent work. The difficulty
of finding a suitable successor led to many changes
in the medical staff, which was not in the best interest of
the patients. The permanent staff worked harder, and, on
the whole, few complaints were received before a satisfactory
arrangement was made.
Although reduced in numbers the Sanitary Inspectors
continued their routine work which the war conditions have
considerably curtailed. The impossibility of continuity has
made much of the Sanitary Inspectors' work almost heartbreaking
to anyone keen on results.
As this may be the last report I have the honour to submit,
I should like to thank all with whom I have been
associated for the pleasure it has given me to work with
them.
I am, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
W. H. BRODIE,
Medical Officer of Health.