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7
Two more houses converted as group units for mentally disordered
patients were opened. The close co-ordination of the hospital and community
services is shown by the successful placement of 59 hospital
patients in the community, of whom only 8 required re-admission to
hospital. With support from the National Association for Mental Health
and Warlingham Park Hospital the Corporation supported the establishment
of a Croydon Association for Mental Health. Support was also given
for an investigation of voluntary help in the hospital and local author ity
services, financed through the National Association for Mental Health by
the King Edward's Hospital Fund.
Health Education
1967 marked the 10th anniversary of the inception of a Health
Education Section in the Health Department, and the appointment to it of
Miss D.S. Elliott. It was a fitting indication of her success that she was
invited last year by the Ministry of Health to serve as a member of the
newly constituted Health Education Council for England, Wales and
Northern Ireland. This Council has been constituted following advice
from a Committee inquiring into health education, to deal with the subject
on a national basis. No doubt it will look to local authorities for routine
day to day activities, and Miss Elliott will be able to contribute knowledge
gained as a result of unrivalled experience in the development and application
of such a service.
Cervical Cytology
The extent of the service which could be offered remained limited by
the number of specimens the laboratory could accept. It was possible to
deal reasonably quickly with requests from women over 35 years of age who,
despite the avoidance of any local publicity about such facilities, applied
for this test.
Lead in Water Supplies
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government drew attention to a
report about the amount of lead detected in water in certain areas after it
had been in contact with lead pipes. These related mainly to soft acid
waters and checks on all the Croydon supplies showed amounts well within
the permissible level.
Housing
Applications for rehousing on medical grounds continued to increase
despite the emphasis that only rare and exceptional cases could be recommended
few: priority. Assessment of these applications occupied a considerable
part of the time of the Principal Medical Officer, who reports on
his findings.