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The environmental problems of this area often relate to certain
annual matters such as occasional temporary pollution of streams or
noise or smoke nuisances for which the best practicable means of
prevention have been taken. Research is being carried out nationally,
and these are problems which are not peculiar to Beckenham, but stand
out in greater relief because of our essentially residential character.
Research in general practice is also prominent in this borough and it
is taking part in the epidemiological survey of non-notifiable diseases,
including glandular fever, infective hepatitis and epidemic winter
vomiting, which is being conducted in south-east England by the college
of general practitioners. A questionnaire was completed on the incidence
of influenza as a prelude to the trials of an influenza vaccine in various
parts of the country. It was noted that the prevailing type of influenza
tends to attack children more than adults and to occur mainly in the
period March to May. In many it was associated with sickness and
diarrhoea, and often attacked middle-aged city workers, and schoolchildren.
One must record the difficulties occasioned by shortage of staff at a
time when Inspectors could help in a wider field of public health by their
enquiries into the welfare of old persons living alone, and into the
circumstances of problem families.
In conclusion I wish to record my appreciation of the co-operation
of Dr. Elliott, the County Medical Officer, and of Dr. Ward and other
members of the County staff. Mr. Moore, the District Officer succeeded
a very able Officer in the late Mr. H. G. Smith, with whom the Department
had much contact on social welfare problems.
The Staff of the Health Department have worked as a team and with
great enthusiasm and efficiency. I wish to record my thanks to them and
to express to you my appreciation of the interest and understanding
shewn by each member of the Committee throughout the year.
L. R. L. EDWARDS,
Medical Officer of Health.
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