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-ix
which housed the mortuary and Coroners Court-serving, in addition to
Southwark, the Metropolitan boroughs of Bermondsey, Lambeth and Camberwell,
were submitted to the Public Health Committee and it was decided
that the extension and modernisation of the premises should be undertaken.
The agreement of the other three authorities concerned as well
as of the London County Council, who use the Coroners' Court, was
obtained and plans were drawn up by a Consultant Architect in conjunction
with the Borough Engineer's Department. Several meetings were
held between Her Majesty's Coroner, and certain of the pathologists,
the Consultant Architect, the Chief Architectural Assistant and myself
to discuss plans equipment. Building operations commenced on
November 6th. Alternative arrangements had to made for the work of
the mortuary and Coroner's Court. The Court was transferred to Westminster
and the Mortuary work was divided between Battersea and Westminster.
Shortly after the transfer a very high mortality was unfortunately
experienced owing to climatic conditions. Although staff from Southwark
went to Westminster and Battersea a very severe strain was placed on
the mortuaries in these boroughs and sincere thanks are due to Dr. J.H.
Briscoe Smith and Dr. J. Tudor Lewis and to their staffs for their
co-operation in this matter.
Staff
During the year under review the shortage of Public Health Inspectors
became acute in Southwark and special reports on this subject were
submitted to the Public Health and Appointments Committees. Careful
consideration was given to the duties of these officers and it was
decided that although housing work was necessarily carried out by Public
Health Inspectors a great deal of the routine work in relation to
smoke control areas could be done by other officers under the supervision
of a Public Health Inspector.
Conclusion
Sincere thanks are due to the Chairmen and members of the various
committees for their consideration and encouragement, and for their
interest in public health matters throughout the year. I wish to express
my thanks also to the Chief Officers of the Council and to the
staff of their departments for their co-operation and help at all times.
It is a pleasure to work with Dr. W.H.S. Wallace, Divisional Medical
Officer of the London County Council, and the members of his staff,
and one wishes to acknowledge the great deal of help which is received
from Dr. Tomlinson of the Public Health Laboratory Service as well as
from Dr. Betty Hobbs and many others.
Finally I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Chief Public
Health Inspector, Mr. H. Archer, the Senior Clerk Mr. E. A. Clark, and
to the entire staff of the Public Health Department for their loyal
support and assistance throughout the year.