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to commence this in the municipal year 1973. Continued use will be made of the Family
Planning Association and our own clinics, with an extension of facilities to local
family doctors.
HOUSING
Representations of unfit properties in the 1970 • 1975 programme proceeded according
to schedule. The majority of unfit tenement blocks has been dealt with. The
require a re-orientation to include the use of General Improvement Areas when appropriate
however, the present legislation would benefit from stronger compulsory powers, in
default.
CHEST CLINICS
The year saw completion of the integration of the three chest clinics in a
based at the London Chest Hospital. A comprehensive service is now given to the whole
borough from a newly built annexe to the hospital, including the use of the range of
services offered by this specialist hospital.
In the penultimate year of the existence of Tower Hamlets as a local health
authority, my thanks go to the members of the department who, despite many uncertainties,
have given a good year's service to maintain the standards of the past. I hope the
changes to come by April 1974 and beyond with the unification of the National Health
Service will be evolutionary in nature, and not too traumatic.
To the respective chairmen and members of committees for their support in the year,
I acknowledge appreciation, as also to the Chief Executive and senior colleagues throughout
the borough services.
I am
Yours faithfu1ly,
R W Watton
Medical Officer of Health
and Principal School Medical Officer
May 1973
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