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To the Mayor, Aldermen and Members of the Council.
I have the honour to submit my report for the Health Department
which will be the last in a series for the metropolitan borough and thus
marks the end of an era.
Under the London Government Act, 1963, the appointed day for
the fusion of Deptford and Lewisham into the new London Borough of
Lewisham is April 1st 1965.
Because of this, it is opportune to include references to earlier
reports to indicate in some measure how health problems have changed
over the years.
The year 1964 disclosed no noteworthy episode of infectious disease.
The vigilance of the inspectorate was, however, in no way lessened and
preventive supervision of food and housing matters continued unabated.
Progress in clean air procedures has been satisfactory.
The excellent services for the elderly sponsored by the Council
directly or through liaison with voluntary societies and clubs have
continued to expand. Much, however, remains to be done. It is to be
hoped that the new Local Health Authority will take the initiative in the
effort to establish a co-ordinated comprehensive scheme for the elderly
in the New Borough.
This has been a particularly testing period for the staff of the department.
They have all been involved in arrangements for the transfer
which have increased in volume and momentum as the 'appointed day'
approached. Every individual has amply demonstrated loyalty to the
Council and the needs of the public whom we all serve.
For 10 months, up to April, 1965, the department was without a
full-time Medical Officer of Health and, consequently great responsibility
fell especially on Mr. Phillips, Senior Public Health Inspector, and Mr.
E. Cheesman, Senior Administrative Officer. I am most grateful to
these two gentlemen and all my colleagues on the staff whose friendship
and support have lightened my task since my part-time appointment in
October, 1964.
In conclusion my thanks are due to the Town Clerk and other
Chief Officers and to the Chairman and Members of the Public Health
Committee for their generous forbearance and readily available help
at all times.
F. R. Waldron,
Medical Officer of Health.
The Public Health Committee during the year was constituted as
follows:
Councillor A. A. Hawkins (Chairman)
Councillor Mrs. D. I. Cox (Vice-Chairman)
Councillor T. I. Bradley (The Mayor)
Councillors Mrs. H. D. Burch, Mrs. C. M. Costello, J. E. Dale, J.
Donovan, Mrs. D. E. Eagles, Mrs. D. K. Epps, M.B.E., P. E. J. Forward,
R. J. Groves, Mrs. G. M. M. Land, Mrs. D. E. New, Miss B. G.
Oldham, A. J. Pinnegar and E. F. Inch.