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Despite staff shortages and difficulties of accommodation for training and rehabilitation,
expansion in Mental Health community services continues, as may be
seen by reference to this section of the report.
Further strides have been made in the development and expansion in Health
Education and Home Safety measures during 1967. These have been directed at
various population groups and risk areas in the Borough.
By the end of the year, most of the Borough was subject to smoke control orders.
The small remaining district is due for major redevelopment and will, in due course,
conform to requirements.
A table is included to show climatic conditions and degrees of atmospheric pollution
in 1967, as recorded at four observation points. It is apparent that pollution tends to
be greater in the northern part of the Borough where the sulphur content also is
significantly and consistently high.
The investigation of vehicle exhaust fumes at near-pavement level at selected
points at peak traffic hours calls for investigation. It is felt that this factor in air
pollution might have a greater effect on the public health than is generally appreciated.
An account of the work of the Inspectorate in investigating complaints received
from members of the public and in the fields of housing and slum clearance and
supervision of food hygiene is included in the report. Too often the value of this
service to the community is under-estimated.
Co-operation and liaison between all sections of the department and voluntary and
statutory agencies in the area continued to expand in 1967. Progress is reflected by the
accounts of various schemes of attachment to general practitioners and hospitals
mentioned in the report. In addition, informal meetings and discussion groups are
now regular features of departmental arrangement.
It is sometimes not appreciated that a large volume of professional and technical
training takes place. Pupils and students of various disciplines undergo recognised
full-time courses ranging from three months to two years. About fifty such individuals
are catered for during the year. This is stimulating to all concerned and provides a
very satisfactory contribution to future staffing needs.
This opportunity is taken to record the fact that my report outlines the work
during 1967 of loyal colleagues of all grades in the Health Department. I am grateful
too for the ever available help and guidance of the Town Clerk and other Chief
Officers.
In conclusion, the support afforded to the Department and myself, by the Chairmen
and members of relevant Committees, is gratefully acknowledged.
F. R. WALDRON,
Medical Officer of Health.
Health Department,
Deptford Town Hall,
New Cross Road, S.E.14.
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