View report page

7
Mental Health Services were developed and undoubtedly the
Corporation's scheme based on active co-operation with the
Mental Hospital was shown again to be practicable and effective.
There were disappointing delays in obtaining authority for new
buildings which seemed to be due chiefly to the high cost of
construction in Croydon in comparison with other parts of the
country. Thanks to the very helpful support of the Finance
Committee, temporary buildings have been made available, so that
new developments have gone forward. Against the frustration of
delays there must be set the advantage of learning by actual
experience of pilot schemes. The knowledge so gained has unquestionably
been of help in building up valuable connections
with industry, and practice in handling industrial projects. The
Housing Committee were also of great assistance in allocating a
suitable property for a trial of a small residential group unit,
and this was arranged at the close of the year.
Health Education programmes included efforts to persuade
parents to have their children protected against the various
diseases for which active immunisation is now available. The
value of a Health Education section in supporting such campaigns,
in initiating new developments and in sponsering in-service
study sessions was again emphasised during the year under review.
Clean Air
The Chief Public Health Inspector is able to report steady
progress in the agreed campaign to cover the whole of the
Borough with Smoke Control Orders. Forecasts about changes in
fuel policy necessitated some fresh surveys, but it is hoped
rising costs will not impede future schemes. The recommendations
of the Beaver Committee that as a first step we should seek to
clear smoke and dirt from the atmosphere is still unchallangable,
although admittedly the problem of sulphur pollution remains.
Housing
Appeals on medical grounds for rehousing continued to increase,
reflecting the difficult position as regards the "points"
allocation scheme. There was also an increase in requests for
transfers on supposed medical grounds, which required a good
deal of investigation before suitable recommendations could be
made.