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10
Section 28, Prevention of illness. Care and After Care
There were fears in 1948 that the division of the tuberculosis
service would have dire results. In fact the success of
the anti-tuberculosis campaign has exceeded all expectations.
Again, the close co-operation possible in a compact county
borough has allowed an optimum combination of prevention and
treatment under the clinical guidance of a single chest physician.
The results fully support the soundness of the original
scheme.
The provision of convalescence and the arrangements for the
loan of home nursing equipment have occasioned no particular
difficulties.
Health Education. The Corporation's scheme as approved by the
Ministry of Health included under this Section of the Act, a
paragraph that "the authority will seek to develop health education
in its area by all appropriate means".
The chief causes of disease have always been regarded as
poverty and ignorance. In Croydon, the former is now relatively
rare and it is clearly against ignorance that our future efforts
must mainly be directed. Much of the work of health departments
has always been largely educational, for example, that of the
health visitors. Education is in itself a discipline for which
training and experience are essential and a trained health
education officer to advise and assist in the instruction of
small or large groups is indispensable in the proper fulfilment
of this ever growing responsibility.
Section 29, Domestic Help
In 1948, this was a permissive service, but as it has now
developed, it would seem impossible to do without it. The
limiting factor has been expense, as the home helps have assumed
more and more responsibility for the aged and infirm section of
the community.
Supplementary schems have been developed as time has passed
a washing service, a night service, a service for problem
families and special family helps. One somewhat unexpected
finding has emerged from our experience of the last ten years.
Whilst it nay be more satisfactory and humane to look after ill
and infirm persons in their own homes, the point is very soon
reached when for the community the cost of so doing is greater
than that of institutional care.