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It is necessary for me to record here most
grateful appreciation of the splendid work undertaken by the
Nurses of the Catholic Nursing Institute, 60, Lambeth Road,
whose selfless devotion and skill are always forthcoming,
despite the overwhelming demands where nursing assistance is
essential, but hospital treatment impossible.
In addition to the initial disorganisation
caused by the operation of new legislation during the year,
the Department ha3 suffered further serious handicap in regard
to staff. At the beginning of the year, the Sanitary Inspectors'
staff was so depleted that there was a constant threat of mounting
arrears of work, although fortunately this situation was relieved
later in the year. Further, the transfer of services to the
London County Council ha3 also involved the transfer of several
officers whose qualifications and experience of Public Health
administration generally,beyond the scope of their actual
transferable duties,were such that their loss is by no means
compensated by the loss of direct responsibility for the
transferred services which constituted only part of their duties.
For some time past there has been a constant drift and change of
experienced officers to higher graded posts elsewhere, whilst
the younger clerical officers have sought more soope for advancement
than is at present offered in the clcrical section, by
studying to qualify as Sanitary Inspectors. These circumstances
are a matter of the gravest concern for the future efficiency of
the clerical administration of the department.
In conclusion I must again express to all Members of
the Council my thanks for their consideration and help; and to
the staff of the Public Health Department, as well as other
Departments of the Council, my keen appreciation of their loyal
co-operation during a year which has been both eventful, and
difficult in the increased and unfamiliar duties which have ensued.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
WILLIAM STOTT.
Medical Officer of Health.