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63
HEALTH PROPAGANDA
The purchase and distribution of the monthly magazine "Better
Health" through the Infant Welfare and other clinics continued.
Much attention was also given to the display of posters and
pamphlets in connection with the prevention of accidents in the
home. A collection of photographs demonstrating the work of the
various sections of the department was assembled to assist the
work of the Public Relations Committee. No further action was
taken in regard to cancer education following the lack of response
to efforts made at the close of 1954. The mainstay of
health education, the day to day efforts of the doctors, health
visitors and other officers of the department, was of course
maintained.
MENTAL HEALTH
As requested by the Ministry the following details of the
service are set out:-
Administration
The staff employed on this work comprised:- The Medical
Officer of Health - in general administrative control. The Deputy
Medical Officer of Health and one Assistant Medical Officer of
Health (approved by the Ministry of Education for purposes of
Section 53 of the Handicapped Pupils and School Health Services
Regulations), as certifying Medical Officers for Mental Deficiency.
5 Duly Authorised Officers, 1 Clerk, 1 Occupation Centre Supervisor,
4 Assistant Occupation Centre Supervisors.
There is close personal contact with the Medical Officers
and Social Workers of the Hospital Psychiatric O.P. Clinic, the
Regional Hospital Board's O.P. Mental Deficiency Clinic and the
Child Guidance Centre. The Deputy Medical Officer of Health continues
to pay periodic visits to the Mental Deficiency Colony
accepting the majority of Croydon cases.
The only duty delegated to a voluntary association was the
supervision of 14 mental defectives placed under guardianship in
Brighton, by the Guardianship Society.
Work carried out in the Community.
On the recommendation of the Medical Staff of Warlingham
Park Hospital, the Corporation accept financial responsibility
for patients to stay at approved homes conducted by the Mental
After Care Association and three cases were so dealt with during
the year.