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5
Under the Clean Air Act It was decided after
considerable discussion that the first smoke control area in
the Borough should be the small isolated area of the Vale of
Health. During the year, the scheme was submitted to the
Ministry for preliminary approval and a start was made on the
survey of a larger area in the southern part of the Borough.
The public health laundry service was put into
operation in January, 1957 and the Report includes details of
the first full year's operation. The service was proved of
considerable help to a large number of bedfast and incontinent
persons and has made it possible for a number of persons to be
nursed at home rather than be admitted to hospital.
In the early part of the year the lease having expired
the Public Health Department was transferred from premises at
33, Lancaster Grove to 98a, Avenue Road, N.W.3. This building
was formerly used as a nurses home for the adjoining St. Columba's
Hospital, and it occupies part of the site which was purchased
by the Borough Council for the erection of a Civic Centre. The
accommodation is much more satisfactory than that at Lancaster
Grove and it is much more conveniently situated for the public
In respect of public transport, although the building itself
is rather hidden away.
During 1957 an investigation into the working of the
Public Health Department was carried out by a team from the
Organisation and Methods Committee of the Metropolitan Boroughs'
Standing Joint Committee. Recommendations in the report of this
investigation have resulted in some reorganisation of the
department, mainly of a minor nature, details of which are set
out in the Report.
I am again indebted to the Members of the Council and
particularly to the Chairman and Members of the Public Health
Conmittee for their help and encouragement throughout the year,
to the Chief Officers of the Council and their staffs for their
co-operation and assistance on all occasions, and to my own staff
for the loyal and efficient way in which they have assisted me .
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
R. DUNCAN DEWAR,
Medical Officer of Health.