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14
But at present accommodation for such cases is almost impossible to
obtain for those willing to be removed and that answers the question for
the unwilling. In the care of old people the Sanitary Inspectors work in
close association with the domestic help service, medical practitioners,
the district nurses, and of course, the Westminster Old People's Welfare
Association, the Medical Officer of Health being a member of its executive
committee. The British Red Cross Society by their mobile meals service
working under the direction of the public health committee have brought
much material as well as social comfort to those who are handicapped
in the struggle for existence. The whole problem arises from the success
of society in extending the expectation of life. We have many more old
people on our hands who by reason of the falling birth rate of the last
fifty years, have few willing relatives to care for them. Much of the
responsible care of these old people falls on the sanitary inspectors who
extend much sympathy and patience in their varied problems. A
tradition of genuine solicitude practised by one of the most experienced,
Mr. French, has been followed by his colleagues who make it a point of
honour to maintain that tradition.
I have endeavoured in the above account to submit an outline of the
principal public health duties of the City Council and some relevant
details indicating the scope of the work in carrying them out. Other
responsibilities which deserve mention are the unceasing campaign to
keep the City free from rats in which eight trained men are engaged
under the direction of a rodent officer. His staff also take part in reducing
the number of pigeons. The collation of scientific data in estimating
atmospheric pollution and dealing with smoke nuisances occupy most of
the time of one Inspector. The regulation and inspecting of common
lodging houses are duties usually performed in the evening. Other varied
statutes which fall to be administered by the public health department
are those relating to poisons and pharmacy, the new provisions of the
National Assistance Act relating to the burial and disposal of effects of
those who die with no known relatives. These duties come under
Section 50 and entail a good deal of investigation and considerable
responsibility. In the six months from 5th July, 1948, since these duties
were imposed, some 32 deceased persons have been buried by the City
Council and their effects sold to offset the cost of burial as permitted
by the Act.
In July, 1948, the City Council considered the changes brought about
by the new Act and the consequent transfer of some of its responsibilities
to the London County Council and Regional Hospital Board. It was felt
that in view of the extent and nature of responsibilities still remaining
the City Council considers that a whole-time deputy Medical Officer of
Health was still required, particular regard being paid to the daily duty
of inspection under the Aliens Act at Victoria Station. Since the transfer
of my deputy, Dr. I. S. Thomson, to the Regional Hospital Board I have
felt the increasing strain of being deprived of his experience and cooperation.
Besides taking charge in my absence, he relieved me of