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Dr. C.O.S. Blyth Brooke, O.St. J., M. D. , D. P.H., Barrister at Law -
Dr. Blyth Brooke retired on 14th July, 1965, from the post of Associate Medical
Officer of Health. From November 1939 until 1st April 1965, he was Medical Officer of
Health of the Metropolitan Borough of Finsbury. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine,
a Fellow of the Society of Medical Officers of Health, and Chairman of the City Division
of the British Medical Association, he was from 1948 a pioneer in the field of old
people's services, and was responsible for establishing in 1951 London's first work centre
for the elderly; this centre is in Gloucester Way and has been named "Brooke House".
He addressed numerous conferences both in this country and abroad on public
health matters (particularly geriatrics) and published numerous treatises in
professional papers on medical subjects. He was examiner of students in a number of
subjects in professional examinations in connection with public health work,
Research work which resulted in the production of the drug "Cephorin" was arranged
by Dr. Blyth Brooke, who acted as intermediary for Professor Brotzu of Sardinia.
Since he first went to Finsbury in 1935 as Tuberculosis Officer and Assistant
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Blyth Brooke took a very real and personal interest in
every aspect of the development of public health services in that Borough. Possessed of
great ability coupled with energy and enthusiasm, he applied his talents unreservedly
to the duties of his office, and his diligence gave an inspiring lead to all who worked
with him. He was responsible for instigating many of the schemes and improvements
achieved by the former Finsbury Borough Council which will continue for the benefit of
the health services in the London Borough of Islington.
Staffing
The reorganisation of London government precipitated the mammoth task of
establishing the staff for the new Department. This involved the fixation of the
establishment in numbers and in gradings, the transfer, appointment and assimilation of
officers and employees, the formulating of new service conditions, the consideration of
the special safeguards enjoyed by "transferred officers", and the reallocation of
accommodation and equipment. The total establishment was 507 officers and 312 full time
equivalent employees, details of which are set out in Appendix D.
Staff Medical Examinations
It was decided that the medical examinations of staff which had previously been
carried out by medical advisers should be transferred to the Department. This was a
long-term measure as, in view of the volume of work involved, it was not possible to
undertake the full load of examinations. Commencing in April, 273 examinations were
carried out for appointment, superannuation and sickness purposes. General advice was
given on medical aspects of staff; a code was laid down for the exclusion of food
handlers from duty in the Council's establishments, by reason of infectious disease.
Health Service Premises
A list of premises is set out in Appendix B. The Borough Architect became responsible
for the maintenance of existing premises and for the planning of new accommodation. A
close and fruitful co-operation was soon established at all levels between the two
departments. Useful links were maintained with the Architect and the Valuer of the Greater
London Council on work already in progress on 1st April 1965, and particularly in regard
to the large new junior training centre which was still undergoing erection in Prebend
Street, N.1
Long-term planning, could only be undertaken tentatively and provisionally. A fiveyear
programme was drawn up, incorporating the similar plan prepared by the London County
Council. The details weree-
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