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During 1971 the General Nursing Council revised syllabus for nurse training came into operation and
now includes community training for student nurses. The City Council is co-operating with two hospitals in
Westminster in providing this community training. Two courses have so far been completed. At the end of
the first course one of the Department's Area Nursing Officers undertook an evaluation of the course, and
submitted her report to me, which I am pleased to include later in this report (see page 48).
These reports by senior members of the nursing staff are an interesting sideline on research projects
which are frequently undertaken in the department and, more often than not, in the officers' own time.
The transfer of certain functions formerly carried on by the Health Department, to the Social Services
Department, took place in April 1971. In this connection I would draw attention to the Introduction to the
Personal Health Services, written by my Deputy, Dr. Mary T. Paterson, on page 41 which sets out some of
the feelings in the department on the reorganisation.
So far as staff matters are concerned, there was an improvement in recruiting in some sections although
some difficulties again occurred in certain sections, namely the nursing services and dental surgery
assistants.
Three members of the Department's staff retired in 1971 — Miss R. H. Welford, Centre Superintendent
at the Ebury Bridge Maternal and Child Health Clinic; Mr. R. Fowler, public health inspector; and Mrs. I. M.
Southernwood, clerk at the Lisson Grove Health Clinic. All these officers had given long and faithful service
to the City Council and its predecessors and we wished them every happiness in their retirement which we
hope will be a long and healthy one.
I record with regret the death of one of the principal officers in the Health Department — Dr. P. T.
Horder, Principal Medical Officer, who died suddenly in August 1971. Despite the crippling disease from
which he suffered and which would have halted many other men. Dr. Horder felt he was lucky to be able to
see disability from the angle of patient as well as doctor. His death at the early age of 36 years was a loss to
the department and there is no doubt that if he had lived he would have risen to the top of his chosen
profession.
I also record with much regret the deaths of Miss K. Wiseman, Assistant Nursing Officer, and Mr. D.
Gilkes, Public Health Inspector.
Finally, I express my appreciation of the support and encouragement I have received from all Members
of the Council and particularly from Members of the Health Committee. The Chief Officers and members
of the staff of other departments have continued to give their warmest co-operation and assistance and both
I and all the members of my staff are grateful for this.
To all the members of the Health Department I express my sincere thanks for the excellent work they
have carried out, efficiently and loyally. Notwithstanding the further reorganisation which faces us in the
relatively near future I am sure the health services will continue to flourish.
June 1972
J. H. BRISCOE-SMITH
Medical Officer of Health and
Principal School Medical Officer