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from the surface. The method finally adopted was to suspend the bait, enclosed in polythene bags, by
wires secured at the top of the shaft. The bags keep the bait in good condition for a considerable
time and do not appear to deter the rats from taking it. Whereas previously it was often difficult to
distinguish a true "take" from scattering of the bait caused by flooding, dripping water, or accidental
disturbance by sewermen, it is now easy to see when a bag has been gnawed by a rat. The true measure
of the success or otherwise of the system will depend on the analysis of results obtained over several
years, but in the meantime reports of sewermen appear to indicate that the rat population in the
sewers is decreasing.
The almost universal use for domestic washing and cleaning of foaming detergents has given rise
to a new type of problem in connection with the drainage of blocks of flats. When these products are
used without proper discrimination the action of the water descending from the upper floors causes a
build-up of foam in the lower part of the drainage system. This forces its way out through the sanitary
fittings in the ground floor flats giving rise to considerable nuisance. Occasionally it has been possible
to discover one tenant who is the offender. In these cases a visit by the Public Health Inspector, to
explain the proper use of detergents and the needless extravagance of using them in excess of the
amounts recommended by the makers, has usually been successful. More often, however, no one tenant
is at fault. In these circumstances, a fair measure of success has been attained by seeking the cooperation
of the owners who have been asked to circularise their tenants using as a basis a suitable
draft letter prepared in the department.
During the year the assistance of the Public Health Department was sought by three hospitals to
disinfect wards following outbreaks among the patients of infection due to resistant staphylococci.
This type of infection continues to be a major problem in all hospitals but, at last, with the recent
introduction of the new penicillins, a solution appears to be in sight.
Hospitals for human patients are not the only ones with problems and we were pleased to give our
help when we were asked by the London Zoo to advise on modifications to the ventilating system in
the sanitarium there to minimise cross infection among the animals under treatment and in quarantine.
There were increases in the work of the department in 1959 as compared with the previous year
particularly staff medical examinations, drainage schemes, and land charge enquiries and town planning
applications referred to the department.
No special hazards due to radioactivity have so far been encountered in the Borough but it was
thought advisable to have at least some of the Public Health Inspectors trained in this subject and, as
a first measure, Mr. Bignell, the Senior Public Health Inspector and Mr. Pearson, Smoke Inspector,
attended a suitable course of lectures.
The training scheme for Student Public Health Inspectors is beginning to bear fruit and Mr. Bithrey,
one of the two under instruction in the department, qualified during the year and was appointed to
fill a vacancy on the staff.
It is with regret that I have to record the death on the 4th March, 1959, of Mr. Bryan, who was Bath
Attendant at the Welfare Centre. Mr. Bryan, who died following a short illness, had always carried out
his duties in an exemplary manner and he will be much missed by many of the old people who regularly
visit the Centre.
As always, I have received the willing co-operation of every officer of the Council from whom I have
sought help during the year. I would, however, like to say a special word of thanks to the Borough
Librarian for providing space in the window of St. John's Wood Branch Library, and in the vestibule
of the Central Library at the Town Hall, for the display of health education material and for his help
in the distribution of book marks and pamphlets on various health topics. I would also like to thank
my medical colleagues in general practice and in hospitals for their many kindnesses and to express my
appreciation of the assistance I have received from the officers and members of the voluntary bodies
whose work supplements that of the Public Health Department.
To the staff of the Department, my thanks are due for their conscientiousness, loyalty and friendship,
and for a year's work well done.
Finally, to His Worship the Mayor, to Alderman C. D. Dennis-Smith and to his successor as
Chairman of the Public Health Committee, Councillor Miss F. E. Wilson, and to the members of the
Committee, may I express my gratitude for your support and consideration during the year.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. H. BRISCOE-SMITH,
Medical Officer of Health.