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health aspect of this important subject, which will inevitably
absorb an increasing proportion of the time of the Sanitary
Inspectors.
As usual, the majority of this Report shows the steady but
unspectacular work maintained, and in some instances improved
by the various branches of the Local Authorities' Health Services,
but important sections are only referred to briefly as the relevant
statistics are incorporated in reports for the whole County. This
would appear to be one of the weaknesses in the present administrative
arrangements in spite of 'divisionalisation'. It is pleasing
to be able to report, however, that liaison between the various
branches of the Health and Social Services, the need for which
has often been stressed in recent years, is steadily though sometimes
slowly improving, and at officer level co-operation is normally
quite good.
Now that thought is again being given both locally and
nationally to the future of Local Government, it may not be
inappropriate to end this introduction by remarking on the amount
of effort and time which is now required to effect true co-operation
and understanding, owing to the complexity of the present administrative
arrangements;— and this would appear to apply not only
at officer level. Members will know of other examples, but one
has sometimes thought that a more concerted policy between the
Health and Sanitary Authorities on some health and social
problems, e.g. caravan sites, housing and the treatment of
"problem families", is desirable and should be practicable.
Whether the solution lies in more improvements in the present "2
tier" system, in more delegation of powers or in the encouragement
of more 'all' or 'most purpose' authorities of the optimum
size, the desirable keynotes for any further reform would seem to
simplification, associated as far as possible with the fostering of
local interest and sense of responsibility.
May I, in conclusion, again express my thanks to all associated
with the local Health and Social Services, both official and
voluntary, for their co-operation during the year, and in particular
I would mention the contributions of the Chief Sanitary Inspector
and my Administrative Assistant, not only towards the production
of this report, but for their loyal help at all times.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. R. EDBROOKE,
Medical Officer of Health.
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