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SECTION 6
HEALTH EDUCATION
Health Education in its many aspects has always been an integral part
of the work of the Health Department.
Long before the first "School for Mothers" was opened there began
the slow and difficult process of urging the need for higher standards in
sanitation and environmental conditions generally. Environmental health
problems are still largely concerned with teaching and although the
enforcement of minimum standards is a necessary part of the duties of
the department, the most important and satisfying aspect of the work
consists in giving help and advice on the many matters under the control
of the department. The vital importance of environment has been illustrated
in the segregation of tuberculous families in Papworth village where
not one infant born into the community has contracted tuberculosis.
The central authorities concerned with health education are the
Ministry of Health which conducts national campaigns on health and
disease, the Ministry of Education which promotes health education in
the schools, and the Ministry of Food which is concerned with food
hygiene. The Central Office of Information through the Central Film
Library issues on free loan excellent films on various health subjects.
The Central Council for Health Education financed by the Ministry of
Health and local authorities, advises and assists local authorities in their
health education work and provides an exhibition service. Hornsey make
an annual contribution of £7 10s. Od towards the Central Council.
The Borough Council is empowered to carry out health education
under Section 179 of the Public Health Act 1936.
The Middlesex County Council through its Area Health Committee
receives its powers under Part III of the National Health Service Act, 1946.
FOOD HYGIENE
During the latter part of 1949 the Council considered the measures
necessary to promote a higher standard of hygiene in the preparation and
handling of food in catering and other food premises in the Borough.
The Council adopted the model byelaws issued by the Ministry of
Food and they came into force on 26th March 1950.
In order to give special attention to the inspection of food premises and
particularly to work of an educational and propaganda nature in regard
to food hygiene a sanitary inspector was appointed to specialise in these
duties.
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