View report page

8
Health Education
The Committee received a letter from the Ministry of Health
drawing attention to the report on " Smoking and Health " published
by the Royal College of Physicians, and accepted posters for distribution
in the Borough. The letter was set out in detail in the minutes of the
Report of the Committee for Education. Progress of this health
measure is hindered by the inability of many to review the evidence
objectively and dispassionately.
The work of the Public Health Department was set out and
explained for the third year in succession in the Municipal " Welcome
to Young Citizens " Exhibition.
In April a party of 37 undergraduate medical students from Guys
Hospital visited the Health Department and the services were explained
by myself, by Mr. Webber, by Mr. Moore and by a senior Health
Visitor. The students were able to view the Council Chamber and Civic
Insignia and then to visit in groups seven or eight medical practices in
the area. The visit to Beckenham concluded with a tour of the Wellcome
Laboratories at Langley Park. This was the third visit and each year's
visit has been greatly appreciated by the Teaching Staff of the Social
and Preventive Medicine Unit and students of Guys Hospital.
A lecture on the Health Services was also given to junior Local
Government Officers in the post-entry training scheme.
In conclusion I thank the Chairman and all the members of the
Health Committee for their continued enthusiasm and interest and
especially the new members of the Committee for their quick understanding
of the practical problems and details of administration of the
Department.
This year my thanks to my medical colleagues in hospital and in
general practice are especially due for their co-operation and forebearance
in the difficult early part of the year.
Lastly 1 thank my own staff for their work as a team and for
sustaining patience in enquiries with zeal and efficiency in their day-today
work throughout a most rewarding year.
L. R. L. EDWARDS,
Medical Officer of Health.