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70
SERVICE TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS
Medical Examination of Staff
In 1965 when the Personal Health Services, Welfare and Children's
Department, came over to the Borough, the Health Department assumed responsibility
for the medical examination and medical supervision of the staff of
these and other departments in the Borough. All entrants who have not passed
a Local Authority Medical Examination within the last 5 years are given a full
medical examination, including chest X-ray either at the time of entry, or after
a period of six months as appropriate. Their family doctor is informed of any
significant findings.
Staff at risk are advised to have full protection against diphtheria, poliomyelitis
and small-pox, not only for their own safety but in the interest of the
communities in which they work. Close liaison is maintained with heads of
departments and the family doctors of sick staff so as to ensure their fitness to
resume work and, where possible, to adapt the work situation to meet the needs
of the individual concerned.
The underlying concept is that of a preventive health service in which
examination of entrants provides a screening service for each employee, and
evaluation of their medical suitability for the work to be undertaken, an assessment
of fitness of sick staff to resume former employment; and also, where
appropriate, adaptation of work situation or, if necessary, change of occupation.
It is envisaged that this service should be extended so as to provide a more comprehensive
and a more frequent screening cover with the object of maintaining
a high level of health, job satisfaction, and efficiency amongst all employees.