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To:
THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF THE
LONDON BOROUGH OF BROMLEY
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen:
In introducing the Annual Report for the year 1972 on the services administered by
the Health Department of the London Borough of Bromley, it can be said at once that the year
was one in which significant progress was made in both the personal and the environmental
health services of the Borough.
One of the principal themes running through the following pages is that of
strengthening and improving the links between the Local Authority and hospital services, a
logical development that was taking place in advance of the forthcoming changes in the
organisation of the National Health Service. Links with local hospitals and their services had
been established not only through liaison committees for maternity and cytology, but also
through attachments of medical officers, health visitors and district nurses. Extension of
the "domino" scheme ensured in addition continuity of midwifery care for the mother before,
during and after her confinement. Under this scheme the domiciliary midwives deliver selected
patients in hospital subsequently completing the post.natal care in the mother's home.
A new development was the adoption during the year of the Family Planning
Association scheme whereby patients attending the Association's clinics were able to obtain
free advise and supplies if needed on medical grounds. The year also saw another important
advance in this field with the inauguration of a domiciliary family planning service as a result
of which a doctor and nurse team became available to visit those in need of advice but who
were unable to attend a clinic.
In the field of child health, increasing emphasis is being placed on the complete
developmental assessment of children with the aim of ensuring that the individual's full
potential is achieved as a result of the optimum physical, intellectual, emotional and social
development. Departures from the normal can be detected at an early stage when there is the
best chance of putting matters right. Attendance at appropriate training courses has enabled the
Medical Officers to keep up to date with recent knowledge.
The beneficial work of health education continues, and holds out hope for the future
prevention of avoidable illness and accidental injury, in so far as these can be influenced by
the individuals understanding of the factors affecting personal health. The modern techniques
of communication using the great variety of audio.visual aids and materials that are now available
are fully employed in the work of health education and can be highly effective. Also during
the year the Bromley, Beckenham and Orpington Home Safety Committees united to form the
London Borough of Bromley Home Safety Committee and the excellent work carried out over
many years by the individual committees will be combined in a concerted effort to reduce the
toll of home accidents within the Borough.
Once again it is pleasing to report that there were no serious outbreaks of
infectious disease. This is a continuing tribute to the immunisation procedures resulting from
the scientific discoveries that have been so effective in preventing the killing infectious
illnesses of the past.
In the field of environmental health, the half.way stage was attained in the effort to
make the Borough entirely smoke free, in my opinion one of the most beneficial environmental
improvements of recent years. The difficult staff situation in the environmental health section
had an inhibiting effect on much of the routine visiting work of the department, such as visits
to food premises. It is important that this work, which is of such significance to the health
of the community, should not be allowed to drift into arrears.
For the efficient supervision and performance of the work of the department during
the year thanks are due to the heads of sections, in particular to Mr. D.J. Tinson, Chief
Administrative Officer, and to the loyal service of the administrative and professional staff
during a very busy year. Good wishes also go from the staff to the Medical Officer of Health
Dr. L.R.L. Edwards, who has retired at the time this report is being compiled.
Finally thanks are due to the members of the Council and especially to the Chairman
and members of the Health Committee for their support and encouragement in a year that was to
some extent overshadowed by impending change.
A.J.I. Kelynack
Deputy Medical Officer of Health
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