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The important thing in the Medical Officer's opinion is to avoid becoming unduly anxious
about radiation hazards as they exist today when there is little cause for anxiety, but to maintain
an alert and flexible attitude of mind ready to meet new problems as they arise.
ANTI-POLIOMYELITIS CLINIC
In October the London County Council Divisional Medical Officer Area 5, in which is includeed
the City of London, approached the Corporation's Medical Officer of Health for assistance
in connection with the Councils proposed anti-poliomyelitis campaign to offer inoculation to all
young persons born in the years 1933-1942, such assistance to include suggestions for the establishment
of a lunch hour clinic centrally situated in the City.
It was decided to circularise the larger firms in the City and to publicise the offer of inoculation
to the extended age group in the press and by poster and leaflet during the week November
10th - 16th, and the Divisional Medical Officer was supplied with a list of the names of the
medical practitioners working for City firms so that he could write to them direct to invite their
co-operation in the campaign.
The most convenient and suitable site for a clinic appeared to be the Civil Defence Control
accommodation in the Sub-basement of the Office Block, and by courtesy of the Chairman of the
Civil Defence Committee and with the co-operation of the Civil Defence Department this was
made available for the purpose.
The City Medical Officer of Health undertook the arrangements for the display of posters
and dissemination of record cards and information.
The Clinic was planned to operate on Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday of each week between
the hours of 12 noon and 2 p.m. and commenced operations on Tuesday, 11th November, when the
response was immediate and encouraging, there were sometimes as many as 500 attending one
clinic.
The total number of persons inoculated at the City Clinic by the 19th November was, 1,925.
The many activities of Area 5 apparently centred in this clinic at the Guildhall where some
5,040 injections had been given by the end of the year.
In addition a team comprising a London County Council Doctor, a Nurse and a Clerk with
equipment had been sent to 32 Hanks, Insurance Houses and commercial undertakings in the City
in order to inoculate staffs at their places of employment.
I should like to thank the Chairman and members of the Port and City of London Health
Committee for their help and encouragement in the work of the City Health Services as well as
all those, for example traders, business firms and members of the public, who have co-operated
in the promotion of health.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
J. GREENWOOD WILSON,
Medical Officer of Health,
Port and City of London.