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ii
other parts of the country Southwark experienced an increased
incidence of a relatively mild form of influenza, a non-notifiable
infectious disease, which commenced towards the end of September,
1957. Ten deaths were attributable to this condition as compared
to five during the previous year.
Environmental Health
The year under review saw an important advance in the environmental
health field in so far as the Public Health Committee gave
favourable consideration (and in the early part of 1958, approval
in principle) to the establishment of a smoke control area in the
mainly residential district, bounded by Walworth Road, Trafalgar
Street, Dawes Street, and Westmoreland Road.
Housing
An increased number of persons were rehoused on medical
grounds during 1957 as compared with former years. A survey of
overcrowded families showed some improvement in the position
and a substantially smaller number of families remained overcrowded
at the end of the year.
Old People's Welfare
Despite accommodation difficulties the work of the Old People's
Welfare Committee continued uninterrupted during the year and
details of the various activities are set out in Miss Beer's report.
In so far as the Council is concerned the year under review saw
the inception of a laundry service for incontinent persons being
nursed at home. This was a very valuable innovation which has
made and continues to make an important contribution to the
health and comfort of old people living in their own homes.
Conclusion
My thanks are due to the Members of the Council for their
encouragement and consideration and to the Chief Officials for
their kind co-operation since coming to Southwark. I wish also to
thank the staff of the Public Health Department for their efforts
during 1957. Although it has fallen to me to present this report,
it will be appreciated that during the year to which it refers, the
work of the Public Health Department was carried out under the
direction of my predecessor, Dr. W. Stott. The Council have
caused an appreciation of Dr. Stott's long and outstanding service
in Southwark to be recorded in the Minutes. It only remains for
me to express my personal thanks to him for his kindness and
helpfulness to me when I came South, and to wish him every
happiness in his retirement.
I have the honour to be
Mr. Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors,
Your obedient servant,
A.D.C.S. CAMERON.
Medical Officer of Health.