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In the middle of the 19th century, health services, as we know them, hardly existed at all. The
main problem then was one of providing medical and welfare facilities of the kind which have since
been gradually developed. Today the emphasis has changed and the need is rather for more
effective health education and encouragement of proper use of services which now exist.
As this is the last report covering a full year I shall be privileged to submit, I should like to take
the opportunity of acknowledging all the kindness and help I have received from members of the
Borough Council and from those with whom I have been associated in public health work in St.
Marylebone since I joined the staff in 1930 and particularly since my appointment as medical officer
of health in 1939. I am especially grateful to the chairmen of the Public Health Committee who
have held office during this period. They have not only shown themselves seriously concerned to
perform the important functions and carry out the powers and duties delegated to them by the Council
but they have also given me great encouragement and consideration. I have enjoyed most happy
relationships with my colleagues in other departments but it is naturally to the staff of the Public
Health Department that my debt is greatest. Throughout the years they have invariably given me
loyal and most efficient support. They are a staff of whom any chief officer might well be proud. I
would also like to pay particular tribute to the good work of the Old People's Welfare Association
and its honorary officers who have built up such a splendid service for the older residents of the Borough.
Finally, I would like to express my special thanks to His Worship the Mayor and to the present Chairman
of the Public Health Committee, Alderman C. D. Denis-Smith, and members of the Public Health
Committee for their kindness and consideration to me during this past year and particularly during
my period of illness. It is to me a matter of deep regret that my health will not permit me to continue
to carry out the duties of my office and that my career as medical officer of health is to be cut short
but 1 shall carry into retirement very happy memories of my work in St. Marylebone.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
H. A. BULMAN,
Medical Officer of Health.