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Steps were taken in April to form a Co-ordinating Committee of Officers of the
Council, together with representatives of other statutory bodies and voluntary
organisations having an interest in 'family care'. The working of this most useful
co-operative effort is discussed in the chapter on 'Community Health'.
In the chapter on Maternal and Child Health, reference is made to the 'At Risk
Register' for infants. This is a most important procedure, providing basis for research,
supervision of observed defects, early treatment and forward planniing for
special educational or other needs.
Another notable development was the provision of cervical cytology centres as
part of the campaign against cancer. It is hoped that eventually this service will be
available to all general practitioners, so that pressure on local authority clinics
may be reduced.
Accidents to the young and elderly provide a tragic record of preventable injury,
often fatal. It is ironic to note that a Lewisham resident has a far greater chance of
death from violence than, for example, from tuberculous disease.
Fires caused by wrongly used or defective oil heaters occur frequently during
winter months. From October to the end of the year special propaganda efforts
were made to bring home to families with young children or elderly relations the
great dangers involved. As an addition to the special appeals issued, Mr. White of
the Public Health Inspectorate, prepared an excellent booklet on Fire Precautions,
which was widely circulated.
Medical Officers of Health of Inner London Boroughs were appointed Principal
School Medical Officers by the Inner London Education Authority. This ensures
that the local school medical, dental nursing and social services are administered
within the Health Department. A close liaison has been built up between this Department
and that of the Medical Advisor, Greater London Council.
One of the most important community questions facing the new borough is in the
field of the elderly and chronic sick. Excellent services are provided by the Health,
Housing and Welfare Departments in close co-operation with the voluntary associations.
Unfortunately there are gaps remaining and one of these is the lack of geriatric
beds and special cover in the area of Metropolitan Lewisham. The position was
somewhat prejudiced by the publication of a report in 1964 with majority conclusions
to the effect that such provision was unnecessary. During the year, many
consultations with representatives of hospital and family doctors have taken place,
and at the year end there was definite hope that positive favourable recommendations
would result.
Special efforts have been made to increase co-operation with hospitals and family
doctors. Discussions have taken place on the possibility of establishing Health
Centres so that services divided in the National Health frame work might be brought
into closer union. Several plans are now under consideration. Experiments in the
attachment of health visitors and midwives to group practices are being carried
out and the use of facilities at ante natal centres by general practitioner obstetricians
continue.
It is my privilege to present to you an account of the activities of the department.
In doing so, the loyalty and enthusiasm of the staff whose day-to-day labours are
reflected therein is acknowledged wholeheartedly.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Chairman and Members of the Health
Committee, and the Town Clerk and other Chief Officers for their ever ready help
and support during a trying but successful year.
F. R. WALDRON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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