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London. This process has been one of levelling up and not
levelling down, but even so it does mean that in the more progressive
areas the speed of further improvement has probably
been somewhat restricted.
A criticism of the London County Council which has been
made at times is that the authority is so large that the
services have become impersonal. This can be misleading,
because it does not generally apply to the public who deal with
the same familiar individuals at clinics and offices, but it
does in many cases apply to the staff, many of whom feel quite
remote from the elected members of the authority, and even from
their own chief and senior officers; this applies both to paid
and voluntary workers.
The Borough of Camden will have a great opportunity to
provide outstanding health services. It has many natural
advantages in the number of world renowned hospitals, medical
schools and allied establishments; it will have adequate
resources both financially and in population, and it will start
with the very sound basis of the present London County Council
services and staff, which are to be transferred, I feel sure
that the new Council of the Borough of Camden will not wish
merely to ensure that the services are continued at the level at
present provided, but will wish to see them expanded and improved,
In particular the services for old people and services under the
Mental Health Act are daily expanding, and with vigour and vision,
(and probably at least some added expense), the services in
Camden could become an example to Greater London and the whole
country.
During the latter part of 1963 I took over, as a temporary
measure, the additional duties of Medical Officer of Health for
the Borough of Holborn, and for some little time this required
that I should spend a disproportionate part of my time in
Holborn. During that period my Deputy, Dr. McQuaid, the Chief
Public Health Inspector, Mr. Armstrong, and the Chief Clerk,
Mr. Slade, accepted without question a good deal of additional
responsibility, and I am very grateful to them and all the other
members of the staff for their loyal support during this time
and throughout the year. I am also indebted to the other
Chief Officers and their staffs for their co-operation and help.
I am particularly grateful to the Chairman of the Public
Health Committee and to the Members for their help and
encouragement.