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Telephone: TOWN HALL.
Riverside 3020. HAMMERSMITH, W.6.
To The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Metropolitan
Borough of Hammersmith.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present my Annual Report for 1961.
There was an increase in the notifications of Infectious Disease, but this
was almost entirely due to large numbers of measles cases occurring in the first
quarter, which was the peak of the two year cycle. Many attempts have been made
to explain the regularity of the epidemic occurring every other year, but the answer
probably lies in the relationship between the immune and the susceptible in the early
years of schooling.
The Council paid compensation in accordance with Section 26 of the London
County Council (General Powers) Act, 1959, to two carriers of food poisoning
organisms, who were advised to discontinue their employment as food handlers.
Happily pulmonary tuberculosis is still on the decline, but it is wrong to
consider it is no longer an important issue. Many serious cases still occur.
In the year under review the Department was again handicapped by the
shortage of Public Health Inspectors, and much of the routine work of inspection
of food premises, house-to-house inspection and so on, was again deferred. I must
pay a tribute to the Inspectors who through the shortage of staff have had so many
additional responsibilities thrust on them.
I wish to thank the members of the Council, and in particular, the Chairman
and members of the Health Committee and the Establishment Committee, for the
support and encouragement which I have at all times received. I would also
express my sincere thanks to the staff of the Health Department for their loyal
support and conscientious attention to duty throughout the year.
I am, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
F. M. DAY,
Medical Officer of Health.