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iii.
Venereal Diseases show an increase, an unfortunate concomitant
of war conditions. Some small addition towards
combating these conditions has been brought about by Regulation
33B, but only a few cases have come to light by this
means. All who have been brought forward have submitted
themselves to treatment.
The Housing position remains much as was stated in the
introductory letter to my report for 1941. Lack of materials and
labour and the war-time restrictions upon building are contributing
towards a steady deterioration, more especially in "border
line" properties. There is also some evidence that overcrowding
is increasing. Considerable leeway will have to be made up
when the time comes when building is again permitted. The
Sanitary Inspectors' staff has been depleted owing to call-ups
for service in H.M. Forces, but the work has continued on the
same lines as were followed in 1941.
During the year the Public Health Offices moved from the
Town Hall into the old offices of the Croydon Gas Company,
and the Chest Clinic, formerly at 13, Katharine Street, was also
accommodated in the new premises. This arrangement is a
great advantage, simplifying and making more effective the
administration of the Department.
In conclusion, I express my thanks to you, ladies and gentlemen,
for the help and encouragment you have given my staff
and myself, and I wish to bring to your notice the competent way
in which the members of the professional, technical and clerical
staff of the Department in all its branches have carried out their
duties.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
OSCAR M. HOLD EN,
Medical Officer of Health.