View report page

6
In 1964 it was the degenerative diseases, especially of the heart
and blood vessels, and cancer, which demanded attention, Unfortunately
the advice which could be given was mainly for self
application by individuals and imposed austerity, or frugality,
or at least moderation in the enjoyment of pleasurable habits.
The cynical could repeat, with truth, that if the advice failed
to prolong life, it would certainly make it seem longer.
Communicable Disease
Including tuberculosis deaths from this cause were less than
1% of total deaths. There was no case of poliomyelitis, typhoid
or para typhoid, notified throughout the year.
Personal Health Services
Throughout the year there was constant concern over recruitment
of staff. Despite the policy of the Corporation to
train locally, or to second staff for training courses elsewhere,
it was never possible to fill all vacancies for health visitors
and social workers, midwives and administrators in home nursing.
These shortages were part of a general staffing problem, and
were met by re-casting duties, using other grades of personnel
and sometimes leaving tasks unattempted. The fall in the birth
rate eased the burden on midwives and a rise in the numbers discharged
early from hospital units for care at home was met by
employing part-time midwives. Health visitors faced again old
problems in a new guise in those parts of the Borough housing
recent immigrants. One health visitor particularly involved
became the department's representative on a local liaison
committee. In October the Corporation assumed direct control of
the Home Nursing Service in anticipation of local government
changes.
The Health Education Officers maintained existing programmes,
and were especially concerned with increasing the numbers
covered by their courses for school children, by seeking help
from all teaching staffs.
The Mental Health Service surmounted the resignation from
Warlingham Park Hospital of Dr. MacKeith, who had been concerned
with its initial planning and establishment. The steady development
of facilities for care and after care of the mentally disordered
proceeded, with the commencement of building of a new
Adult Training Centre, the opening of the first group unit and
acceptance for loan sanction of a purpose built mental health
centre.