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all types of food premises it is possible to eliminate conditions favourable to the spread
of infection. The control of these diseases, however, depends on the proper education
of food handlers and this is much more difficult to achieve.
The body of this report contains no reference to venereal diseases since they are not
notifiable. There are signs that the incidence of these diseases is increasing. Dr. Nevill
Mascal, Physician in charge of the Endell Street Clinic of St. Pauls Hospital, reported
in a letter to the British Medical Journal that the number of new patients found at the
clinic to be suffering from early syphilis was more than two-and-a-half times greater in
1960 than in 1959. It should be known that although the treatment of these diseases has
been facilitated by modern drugs they are still very serious conditions which can have the
gravest consequences.
Reviewing the work of the Public Health Inspectors over the years one observes
that they now need to serve many fewer notices to achieve their ends. To an increasing
extent these officers are regarded by all sections of the public as advisers rather than law
enforcement officers.
During the year, work on the smoke control programme proceeded satisfactorily.
Two smoke control orders came into operation and the survey of the fourth area was
completed. There are no really large industrial furnaces in Holborn, but considerable
annoyance is sometimes caused because of the close proximity of residential commercial
and industrial premises to each other.
In February the Council declared a clearance area in respect of eight houses in
Mount Pleasant. After a public enquiry in November this was confirmed by the Minister
of Housing and Local Government. The slum clearance programme for the next five
years, which has been agreed with the County Council, includes some 56 dwellings.
On Page 53 there is an account of the staff medical examinations performed during the
year. The object of these examinations is to ascertain, so far as possible, whether the
person examined is physically capable of performing the duties of his post efficiently
and without danger to the health and safety of himself, his colleagues and the public.
If anyone is found to be in need of treatment he is appropriately advised. A recommendation
that an applicant is fit for employment does not, however, signify that he is
thought to be "a first class life." Quite clearly some grades are largely filled by persons
who are physically incapable of more exacting work.
In July the Council decided that the welfare service for old people which had operated
successfully under the Town Clerk's supervision for more than two years should be
brought under the administrative control of the Medical Officer of Health, and within the
purview of the Public Health Committee. Some account of the work of the Social
Workers is therefore given on Page 53. The Welfare State is a complicated structure and
has many loopholes which are filled by innumerable voluntary bodies, both local and
national. Today's old people began life in an era of horse transport, when the needy
could turn only to the poor law or to private charity. They are confused by the speed
and complexity of modern life. Many lead solitary lives and have no one with whom
to discuss their problems. The Social Workers are able to help in two ways. In an
emergency (sickness or accident for example) they can mobilise all the statutory and
voluntary resources needed. Secondly, they encourage and assist old people to a life as
full and as varied as possible. In this way it is hoped to prevent the mental and social
deterioration that sometimes unfortunately occurs in old age.
It is a pleasure to record my gratitude to the Public Health Committee, and in particular
to its Chairman, for the help and consideration they have given me during my
novitiate. My fellow chief officers have been an unfailing source of advice and support
for which I am indebted. I must also thank the members of the public health department,
for their tireless work throughout the year. The department works as a team, and the
results of this co-operative effort are recorded in the following pages.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
G. W. PIPER,
Medical Officer of Health,