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6
of them—those particularly involving structural alterations—do not
come into force until July 1. The new legislation will increase considerably
the work and supervision required of the food inspectors, and
is clearly a considerable step forward in the proper hygienic control of
food. Nevertheless it remains true that the greatest power is an the
hands of the customer, and if customers who are in any way dissatisfied
with the hygienic practices in food shops refuse to trade at those shops,
this would be the quickest way of inducing a better regard for hygiene
in the shopkeeper.
Old people
Two additional clubs applied for and received grant aid, and
altogether eleven clubs or organisations were in receipt of a grant from
the borough council. Details are shown in the body of the report. The
grant made is reviewed each year and perhaps the chief factor in any
upward revision is the indication (by the atmosphere of the club and
particularly by the expansion of existing facilities and the institution of
new facilities) that the club is increasing its activities or comfort for
the old people. The health committee are especially pleased to see the
institution or extension of lunch club facilities as they are aware that
defective nutrition is one of the major factors leading to physical and
even mental deterioration in old people. As appetite declines and
facilities for cooking and buying also decrease the tendency is for old
people, particularly those living alone, to have too little food, and
although the mere lack of calories may not be of much importance
the fact that the total quantity of food is small often means that certain
essential chemical constituents of foodstuffs are missing or are not
taken in sufficient amount. A good balanced meal such as is obtainable
from the lunch clubs, or from the meals-on-wheels service for housebound
old people, can do a lot towards supplying deficiencies, and the
distribution of marmite, which has become very popular in the clubs,
is also a considerable help in this connection. The Lewisham Old
People's Welfare Association remained active during the year, and in
many ways expanded its services.
Staff
The department was handicapped in its work during the year, not
only in housing but in many other public health matters, through the
shortage of Sanitary Inspectors. At the end of the year there were four
vacancies on the establishment. A scheme for the training of student
sanitary inspectors has begun whereby one student will be appointed
each year for the four-year course. This is a long-term attempt to
improve the establishment, but meanwhile the short-term problem
remains acute. The first trainee began work in September.
In ending the introduction to this report I wish to express my
thanks to the health department staff for their work during the year.