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MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF STAFF
The aim of these examinations is to determine whether the candidate is
suitable for the particular job for which he has applied, and whether he is
considered fit enough to give a reasonable period of service in his employment.
When staff who are to work among children are concerned, one additional aim is to
prevent the spread of infection.
The figures given below reflect a satisfactory level of fitness for
employment in relation to the number of examinations carried out and we look
forward to maintaining them in an integrated service.
Number of persons examined and passed as fit 737
Number of persons examined and not accepted 8
Number of special examinations in connection with
sickness payments 24
Number of medical examinations carried out for other
authorities 10
Number of chest x-rays arranged in connection with
medical examinations 187
REHOUSING ON MEDICAL GROUNDS
In order that every person who considers himself eligible for rehousing on
medical grounds is treated with equal fairness, one of my medical officers (the
Deputy Medical Officer of Health) is responsible for investigating the medical
histories of all applicants. This is a breakaway from the usual pattern, whereby
the doctor receives housing reports and medical/social reports from the public
health inspector and health visitor respectively. All information (i.e. housing
details from Housing Department and medical recommendation from a doctor) is
placed in front of my Deputy, and where it is not possible to make a decision
from this information, he will visit the person in his home.
Statistics
Total number of applications 208
Number of families visited 55
Number recommended for rehousing 15
All the applicants with young families were already on the Council's list
for rehousing either by virtue of overcrowding - the majority - or because of
clearance areas, and therefore overcrowding of itself cannot be considered as a
medical reason.
The other main group of applicants were retired pensioners, who found their
present accommodation physically unsuitable because of increasing infirmities.
The most frequent problem was the difficulty in climbing stairs. Often it is
necessary to climb four flights of 12-14 stairs to reach their accommodation.
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