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Meanwhile the Maternity and Child Welfare services continue to
grow, and during the year a new Centre was established at Sanderstead.
In addition, a considerable amount of time has been given to the
possibility of increasing the maternity accommodation available for the
District, and to the provision of an adequate service of midwives.
By contrast, and symbolical of the outstanding anachronism of
the modern world, considerable attention has again been given to the
application of "Air Raid Precautions". Thanks to the sane example of
quiet and unobtrusive preparation which the Council has set the
District, the disturbance of the minds of residents, which is liable to be
caused by the over-enthusiastic application of such schemes, has been
minimised. It is hoped, however, that mental lethargy will not result.
The urgent necessity for the abolition of the root cause of this potential
danger to the Public Health, as being the only completely effective means
of its removal, should remain a constant stimulus to further effort. Only
by preventing the possibility of the misuse of aircraft for the settlement
of international disputes can absolute safety from the air be secured.
A National Campaign to stimulate interest in Physical Fitness is
being launched in the current year, and it may be opportune in concluding
these introductory remarks to reiterate that ultimately the
responsibility for the health of the District rests on each individual
resident. Only by the recognition and acceptance of the laws of health
can the concerted action recorded in this Report culminate in a healthier
District, in the experience of the joy of robust health by the individual,
and in better service to mankind, which must surely be the ultimate
aim of such a Campaign, if success is to be achieved.
My thanks are due to the Members of the Public Health Committee,
my colleagues and staff for their co-operation during the year which
has increased the pleasure in my work. Special thanks are due to the
Sanitary Inspector for his aid in reporting upon certain sections of the
work in which we have closely collaborated.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
F. R. EDBROOKE,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
69, Brighton Road,
Purley.
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