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SECTION B.
SUMMARY OF HEALTH SERVICES.
General social conditions and environment are the main
considerations of a Public Health service, while the chief
function of a Health service is the treatment of disease.
The science of therapautics is not so advanced that we can
afford to scorn the old adage that "prevention is better
than cure," hence the importance of such factors as
adequate housing, street cleansing, removal of house refuse,
efficient drainage, a wholesome water supply, and safe food
supply, most of which functions are the responsibility of
your Council.
There follows a short statement of services and facilities
available in your district for treatment of diseases and for
the promotion of positive health.
I. HEALTH SERVICES RENDERED BY THE COUNCIL.
With effect from 5th July, 1948, such services as diphtheria
immunisation, home visiting of infectious diseases,
tuberculosis, etc., by Health Visitors, passed from the
control of your Council to that of the County Council.
Sanitary and Environmental Services.
These, which are the main services of your Health Department,
have been reported upon in Sections C, D, E, F
and G. A summary of the year's work is in the Appendix.
Inspection of Nursing Homes.
This service has been delegated to your Council by the
County Council.
The six Nursing Homes in the area provide the following
accommodation:—
Number of maternity beds 19
Number of other beds 26
Number of patients received during the year 223
Eight inspections were carried out at these Homes during
the course of the year, and there were no serious infringements
of the Local Bye-Laws.
II. SERVICES RENDERED BY HOSPITAL BOARDS.
There are three hospitals in Chislehurst and Sidcup—
Queen Mary's Hospital with 510 beds, Cray Valley Hospital
with 31 beds, and Sidcup Cottage Hospital with 14 beds,
giving a total of 555 hospital beds available in the district.
They form part of the Sidcup and Swanley Hospital Group
of the S.E. London Region.
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