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68
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH'S ANNUAL REPORT 1970
SERVICE TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS
Medical Examination of Staff
This service has continued, as in previous years, with a slight increase in the
total number of persons examined. Amongst those entrants who were given a full
medical examination were some with symptoms who required further investigations.
All of these were referred to their family doctor and the majority were, in
due course, recommended as fit for appointments in the various departments. A
few considered to be in an "at risk" category were advised to consider, and
accepted, alternative placements.
Advice regarding protection against infectious diseases in staff exposed to
the hazards of these in the course of their work, continued to be given.
Particular emphasis was laid on the risks to staff working with children in
the community and in residential establishments.
The problems relating to sick staff still continued to occupy a disproportionately
large part of the time of the Senior Medical Officer responsible for staff
medical supervision. There are, however, no short cuts in this field. Time is of
the essence of many of the measures required to solve these problems. Much
thought, discussion and careful evaluation of the many factors involved in each
individual's situation, is necessary. The picture of the total environment and the
pattern of his/her reaction, have to be identified in order to make constructive
and useful decisions with regard to the best methods of rehabilitation, which will
provide suitable placement and job satisfaction. It is, however, rewarding and
worthwhile work of inestimable value, not only to the individuals concerned,
but to the department in which they work. There is no doubt that this service
should now be expanded and extended in the direction of a preventive health
service for all employees, providing a regular screening service and a health
education programme which defines occupational hazards and orientates
employees and management towards the concept of the importance of the
working environment and job satisfaction in relation to the health of the
individual in its widest context.
(Sgd) Dr. N. C. Walsh
Deputy Medical Officer of Health