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areas, will, from 1971 be amalgamated and based at the London Chest Hospital. There,
with the construction of new premises and the avai1abi1ity of al1 requisite investigatory
and treatment facilities it will be possible for patients to receive full care. At
present, the physical divorce of chest clinic premises from hospitals often requires
repeated visits between the clinics an d hospitals. The tuberculosis visitors will remain
based on their districts, but the Chest Clinic social workers (transferring to the
Department of Social Services) will be based at the hospital.
Redeployment of hospital geriatric catchment areas has given consultant cover
and allocation of beds by borough areas, so facilitating integrated action with the
local authority health and social services. To date, it has not been possible to arrange
a conjoint appointment for a consultant geriatrician to further the care of the
aged, particularly as between placement in hospital or Part III accommodation.
For the future, it would appear that the borough will have one district genera]
hospital and probably satellite community hospitals, under a single health authority.
Suffice it to say. that the good measure of close liaison now existing locally between
different arms of the National Health Service has laid the foundation for a future
effective unified service.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
It has been increasingly apparent from the rising incidence of 1 ice infestationsparticularly
noted in special surveys of schoolchildren - that existing measures
were not effective. Local studies made in conjunction with research workers from
the Department of Entomology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, have
proved the exi st ence of resist ance, in head lice, to Gammexane and D.D.T. A preparation
using Malathion. with nil resistance to date, is now available for use following
extensive field trials undertaken at some of our clinics and the cleansing station.
Once again I express my thanks to the Chairmen and members of appropriate
Committees, and to the Town Clerk and colleague chief officers for their support.
As always, the staff of the department have given loyal and efficient service in
yet another year.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
R.W. WATTON
Medical Officer of Health
and Principal School Medical Officer.
May 1971
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