View report page

SERIOUSLY DISTURBED ADOLESCENTS
In 1966 the London Boroughs Association set up a Working Party to study the problem of
provision for seriously disturbed adolescents with a view to ascertaining what could be done
to alleviate the difficulties existing in placing these young people in accordance with their
needs.
The Working Party proposed the establishment of a pilot project, aimed at the statistical
assessment of the needs of disturbed adolescents and the provision of co-ordinating services
for them, in an area comprising the London Boroughs of Newham and Tower Hamlets; following
recommendations made by the Medical Officer of Health and the Children's Officer the Council
concurred with the proposal of the Working Party as to the pilot project.
SMALLPOX VACCINE
This year the Ministry of Health chanced the arrangements for the supply of smallpox
vaccine. Hitherto, the Public Health Laboratory Service issued supplies direct to hospitals
and general practitioners. From 12th June 1967 the Public Health Laboratory Service issues
only to local health authorities from whom hospitals and general practitioners are now required
to obtain their supplies.
SURVEYS
The Department has taken part in a number of surveys during the year in association with
various research studies being carried out by the following bodies/authorities:-
Department of Social Medicine, Survey of childhood cancers.
Oxford University:
Greater London Council: Children suffering from spina bifida.
Medical Research Council: Measles.
Inner London Education Authority: Height and weight survey of schoolchildren.
Department of Medical Microbiology, Investigation of virus aetiology in
St. George's Hospital Medical School: mental deficiency.
DENTAL CARE FOR THE PRIORITY CLASSES
Section 22 of the National Health Service Act 1946 puts Local Authorities under an obligation
to provide dental care for expectant and nursing mothers and children not yet at school.
Schoolchildren and their teeth are, however, looked after by the School Health Service.
In practice, it is the same Dental Officers in the same clinics who treat both groups and
though separate sessions are at present devoted to mothers and pre-school children, changes in
administration will in future allow mothers and children of both age groups to be seen together
at any time that the clinics are open.
- 33 -