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During the year it became necessary to obtain a cupboard for the large amount of
publicity material becoming available, and the opportunity was taken to incorporate an
illuminated display section on top of the cupboard. This cupboard display stand has been
installed near the public counter in the Public Health Department and, as well as providing
an effective means of displaying posters, it is a useful distribution stand for leaflets.
Conferences and Courses
The Royal Society of Health Congress from 27th April to 1st May was attended by
Councillor Dradey and the Medical Officer of Health; and the Conference of the Association of
Public Health Inspectors by Councillor Field and the Chief Public Health Inspector.
Early in the year arrangements were made for the presentation at the Town Hall
of an In-Service Training Course provided by the Central Council for Health Education. The
two-day course, on Modern Methods of Presenting Health Education was intended for Public
Health Inspectors and Medical Officers of Health of adjoining boroughs were also invited to
nominate members of their staffs to attend As a result of this six Public Health Inspectors.
from other boroughs participated in the course, as well as five Islington Inspectors
In addition, the following courses were attended by members of the staff -
Attended by
Week-end school organised by
Association of Public Health Inspectors Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector
Rodent Control Course
(Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and One Rodent Operator
Food)
SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PERSONS
Health and welfare services for elderly persons are conducted not only by the Borough
Council and the London County Council, who have certain statutory powers and obligations to
provide certain services, but also a considerable group of voluntary organisations which add
to the various amenities to be enjoyed by elderly persons.
The principal voluntary co-ordinating organisation within the Borough is of course, the
Islington Old People's Welfare Council, which is grant aided by the Borough The IV S also
play an important part by the provision of a meals service as well as conducting clubs and
visiting, etc. The Public Health Department itself carries out a good deal of liaison work
linking official and unofficial organisations and persons.
To be aware of elderly persons who have problems and to be able to keep in touch with
them is an important first step towards providing help. The Department's two health officers
for elderly persons, who are assisted if necessary by other members of the Department's visiting
staff, pay many visits to the elderly brought to their notice and requiring attention A register
of such persons is being built up and now comprises approximately 3,000 names out of an estimated
total of 25,000 of pensionable age in the Borough
The health officers visited 435 new cases during the year and revisits totalled 5,097.
2,777 references were made to other authorities and to voluntary organisations in connection
with the provision of " Home-helps'", National Assistance. " Meals-on-Wheels etc
Installation of Modern Laundry Unit for dealing with Soiled Laundry
In 1954, the Council, on the recommendation of the Public Health Commmittee, agreed to
set up a service for dealing with soiled laundry under powers provided in the Public Health
(London) Act, 1936, permitting Local Authorities to make arrangements to cleanse or disinfect
filthy articles.