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TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
I have the honour to submit my report on the Health Services in the Borough for
the year 1965. This is the first of a new series, and is in accordance with Circular 1/66
of the Ministry of Health addressed to Medical Officers of Health of the new
London Boroughs. The inclusion of data relative to the first quarter makes it possible
to provide a review for the complete year.
The events leading up to the implementation on April 1st, 1965 of the London
Government Act, 1963, would need several volumes to detail. Suffice it to say that
with the encouragement and support of the Chairman and Members of the Health
Committee and the loyal co-operation of my colleagues, the reorganisation took
place without any dislocation or diminution of health services to the community.
An immediate need was the establishment of emergency services for midwifery
and mental health. This was met by setting up a control centre in co-operation
with London Borough of Greenwich, providing cover for both areas, with economy
in manpower. The arrangement worked satisfactorily throughout the year.
The Council showed wisdom and foresight in approving the setting up of a Health
Education Section within the department. There has in recent years been an increasing
emphasis on this subject, which is such an important function of all workers
in the field of preventive medicine. It is now possible to co-ordinate activities, provide
materials and programme campaigns.
District Nursing services over the greater portion of the Borough became a direct
responsibility of the Council, with the absorption of the Ranyard Mission personnel
in April. It was decided to postpone for one year the taking over of midwifery
services provided on an agency basis in two small districts by the Nursing Sisters of
St. John the Divine and the Salvation Army respectively.
The Mental Health Section of the Department has been strengthened and additional
community services provided. Honor Lea Hostel, newly opened by the
London County Council shortly before the transfer of powers, has already proved
its usefulness in this field. Not only Lewisham residents but those from other inner
London Boroughs may be admitted.
The Health Committee considered the need for some reorganisation and expansion
of the Home Help service and decisions were being put into effect by the end of the
year.
The activities of the Public Health Inspectorate were hampered by continued
staff shortages. Nevertheless, progress was continued in the clean air programme,
the implementation of requirements under the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises
Act, the control of houses in multiple occupation and in food hygiene inspection.
Four areas were represented for clearance to the Housing Committee.
It is pleasing to be able to report that there were no outbreaks of major infectious
disease during the year, but this must not give rise to complacency. Prevention
calls for eternal vigilance. Several typhoid and dysentery carriers came under supervision
and contact investigations were necessary when a case of diphtheria occurred
in an adjacent borough. For the first time for many years a case of Anthrax was
notified and a report was made to the Ministry of Health on a possible loophole
observed in the Anthrax Regulations.
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