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it is true to say that the staff who deliver the meals keep a general eye on the
recipient and become his or her friend. Two other S.P.A.C A. services bring many
letters of gratitude. The first is for holidays provided at Margate where our
old people come under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Greves. Complaints are conspicuous
by their absence.
The second is in connection with the provision of wireless sets. We have
out on loan 104 wireless sets to old people. Gratitude here is expressed in a
different way. When a set is out of order the old person writes to us to ask us
to get it repaired as quickly as possible, for life has become dreary and monotonous
without the presence and entertainment of the wireless. If the radio is part of
the normal equipment of every home to-day- it is even more the necessity of the
old person, particularly if he lives alone. Without it his scope of life is
limited to the four walls of his one and only room; without it he feels bereft
of companionship.
Conclusion and Thanks
Admittedly, no report is complete without an acknowledgment to those who
have helped the Medical Officer of Health in his work throughout the year. My
thanks, however, are neither formal nor cursory. They are indeed sincere. No
matter what has been the personnel nor, may I say, the political complexion of
the Council, I have always received courtesy and help and once again my thanks
are due to your Worship and the Aldermen and members of the Council and, in
particular, to the Chairmen of the Committees with whom my work is primarily
concerned. I would like to acknowledge my thanks to the Chairman and members of
the St. Pancras Association for the Care of the Aged - as happy a Committee as
it has ever been my lot to serve.
The Medical Officer of Health for St. Pancras is fortunate in the co-operation
he receives not only from the medical practitioners of the Borough and the many
hospitals within its boundaries, but in particular from his colleagues and the
various Departments of the Council, from all those who are concerned with voluntary
work in the Borough and the staff of the Public Health Department.
I beg to remain,
Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
DENNIS GEFFEN-
Medical Officer of Health.
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