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jects as vaccination against poliomyelitis, diphtheria immunization,
home safety, and smoking and lung cancer. Exhibitions have been
held in the local libraries which have provided poster sites and
bookmarks and leaflets through their library service. To achieve a
limited objective these campaigns have an undoubted value, but
experience has shown that although they may produce temporary
results initially the lessons taught are soon forgotten by the general
public and it is doubtful whether the long-term results achieved
are commensurate with the time and expense involved in mounting
this form of campaign. More permanent results are likely to
follow from the steady day-to-day efforts of the Health Department
staff as part of their ordinary duties.
Nevertheless, certain forms of specific effort can be worthwhile,
particularly if they observe the dictum that all education to be
effective must be interesting. Although thought was given during
the year to initiating such projects, the commitments of the staff,
on whom planning and organisation of such projects would fall, was
such as to make it impossible. However, as opportunities arise,
further thought will be given to this.
Health education about venereal diseases and smoking comes
within the general outline given above. So far as smoking is concerned,
consideration was given to a repeat of a useful means of
health education undertaken in previous years by which prizes
were offered to school-children for essays and posters drawing
attention to the effects of smoking on health. However, as mentioned
in the previous paragraph, the commitments of the Departments
during this very busy year did not permit any plans being
made.
With regard to venereal disease, arrangements were made with
the District Postmaster for information about facilities for treatment
to be publicised at post offices in the area. In addition, a
number of factory premises were visited and proprietors were
requested to exhibit posters and other publicity material. The
Council makes a contribution, with other London Boroughs, to the
services of a social worker who is attached to one of the large V.D.
centres in London and her follow-up work with contacts of cases
is regarded as an important part of health education work in connection
with venereal disease.
During the year, the Government Report on Health Education
(known as the Cohen Report) was carefully considered, particularly
the question of the appointment of a Health Education Officer.
There is, I think, little doubt that there is a place in a large Health
Department for one person to assume direct responsibility for
health education functions and that with the concentration of
responsibility in one person, the whole idea of health education
would be given impetus. To some extent we already have the
services, through the Inner London Education Authority, of such