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Health Department,
Aldis House,
56a, Longbridge Road,
Barking.
To: The Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the London Borough of Barking.
As the reorganisation of the National Health Service looms ever nearer the staff view
the situation with very mixed feelings indeed. The move to 'new' premises and the consequent
divisions of the Department gave the Aldis House occupants the feeling of being isolated from
the mainstream of Local Government, specially as rapid communication with the environmental
health section created difficulties especially in times of crisis.
It is hoped that the separation of the Health Department from Local Government in 1974
will not increase these difficulties. In the hope that these may be avoided it is suggested that the
Gvic Centre should provide office accommodation and staff for the 'proper officer' of the Area
Health Authority who will be responsible to the Local Authority for the control of infectious
disease and environmental health advice in the new service.
During 1972 the infant death rate was 15.22 as against that in 1971 which was 21.16.
Health Education activities which are becoming more and more an important part of
preventive medicine continued to increase during the year.
One fact worthy of note is that 'Maystonisation' of the community nursing services was
begun. This involved a restructuring of the nursing services and the appointment of Nursing
Officers, an Area Nursing Officer and a Director of Nursing Services.
It was hoped to have a total of three Area Nursing Officers - one of whom would undertake
duties in the training field. However, the suggestion was made by the Department of Health that
two should be sufficient initially. This means that at the end of 1972 one post of Area Nursing
Officer remained unfilled.
Owing to pressure of work in the Environmental Health Section of the Department, it has
not been possible to include in this Report matters dealt with via the Chief Public Health
Inspector. These include, inter alia control of infectious diseases and food poisoning, water
supply, sewerage and sewage disposal, milk supplies, hygiene of food premises, poultry inspection,
inspections under the Factories Act 1971, returns of outwork, and the registration of common
lodging houses.
It is hoped to publish a separate account of these and other activities of this section when
conditions allow.
J. Adrian Gillet,
Medical Officer of Health
13.