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Health Department,
Aldis House,
56a Longbridge Road,
Barking.
To: THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND BURGESSES OF THE LONDON BOROUGH OF BARKING.
This introduction is being written at a time when the massive
re-organisation of the National Health Service is the main subject of
discussion amongst those interested or involved in health matters. It
is difficult, therefore, to look back to 1971 and comment at any length
on the progress that took place and the changes occuring during that year
However, I must draw attention to one or two events of that time.
First, it was in that year that the setting up of the new Social
Services Department produced such a change in the Health Department-taking
away the Mental Health Service-the home helps-day nurseries-child
minders etc. Considerable resources had been expended in developing these
services since 1965 and particularly rapid progress had been made in building
up the mental health service of the new London Borough. These services should
continue to develop and expand if the Borough is to keep pace with modern
developments in Health and Social Services with their emphasis on community
care.
I am pleased to record during 1971 continued progress in the Health
Education Section of the Department-though it is sad to have to recall
the death of Mr. A. C. Phillips the Projectionist/Technician who was such
a helpful and popular member of the staff.
The section on Page 21 of the report discusses only some of the
liaison arrangements which were formed to help towards the co-ordination of
services which is so necessary if the present tripartite system of the Health
Service is to function for the patient's benefit.
The 'new look' Community Nursing Service (as outlined in the Mayston
Report) began to take shape and the proposed appointment of a Director of
Nursing Services was put forward.
The Health Visitor recruitment was still difficult and suggestions are
put forward of ways in which it may be helped.
The Department continued to be a busy one and the emphasis on the
handicapped child in clinics-schools - and assessment centre continued.
The Public Health Inspectorate as always had a busy year in 1971.
The operating of the Noise Abatement Act of 1960 brought a slight increase
in the number of visits. Unfortunately it was decided that the extension
of the Smoke Control Areas should again be deferred although the major
portion of the Borough is designated for this purpose.
The need for vigilance was again demonstrated by the occurrence of
a number of outbreaks of salmonella infection at no less than six different
wedding receptions talcing place on the same day. The common source turned
out to be a butcher's premises in a neighbouring borough, where the storage
of cooked and uncooked turkeys together demonstrated how easy it is for
cross infection to take place.
Imported foods too demand an increased amount of time and staff and
are likely to continue to require more and more attention as the years go
by and as the amount of trade passing through the transport depots increases.
J. ADRIAN GILLET
Medical Officer of Health.
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