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In spite of the interruption of the work of the Department in the
Autumn of 1938, this year will stand out as one of great activity in
matters relating to the Public Health. In January the Typhoid Inquiry
was still being held in the adjoining County Borough, and as a result
increased attention was focussed locally on the water supplies, drainage,
and on improving the distribution of information on the presence of
Infectious Disease. In addition, during the first three months the
Surrey County Council and National Health Campaigns were being
continued. Further improvements in the Maternity and Child Welfare
Service were also decided upon, e.g., the provision of convalescent
treatment, of dentures at reduced charges, and of better arrangements
for dealing with eye defects. Provision was made for the use of an
Emergency Unit for the District and for the establishment of Toddler's
Clinics. Special Sub-Committees were involved in formulating plans
for better laboratory facilities, in considering the system of payment for
maternity treatment at Purley Hospital and similar Institutions, in
dealing with one of the private water supplies in the District, and in
considering with representatives of the general medical practitioners
of the District how the latter could collaborate in improving further
the health of the public.
Each of these developments has involved an increase in the duties
and responsibilities of the Department, which, however, are not limited
to those enumerated above or mentioned otherwise in this Report. The
medical examination of a changing staff and those employees entering
the Superannuation Scheme, together with assisting in the preparation
of the Petition for Incorporation and the giving of evidence at the subsequent
Inquiry are typical of the various forms of additional work
falling upon the Department. Phenomenal progress was made during
the crisis of September, 1938, towards establishing a First Aid Service
in this District by great exertions on the part of all concerned. Unfortunately
the plans then formulated had to be discarded and revised
during subsequent months, involving many meetings, extensive correspondence,
etc. Moreover, the Home Office having placed upon the
Medical Officer of Health the responsibility for enrolment, allocation
and training of all first aid volunteers, the majority of his time during
the closing months of the year was given to this and similar subjects.
No less than 28 courses of training in First Aid, Home Nursing and Antigas
measures were organised and held before the end of the year.
The story of 1939 will need to record an even greater intensification
of effort towards the establishment of the First Aid Service as a result
of which, and with great regret, the issue of this Report has been so
retarded. It is very satisfactory, however, to be able to record that in
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