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7
care. Although a temporary expedient in anticipation of its re-opening in 1970
with day hospital facilities, the help and support given to former patients and
their relatives demonstrated a need which should be continued as a permanent
aspect of a comprehensive mental health service. Despite much work it was
not possible during the year under review to obtain suitable premises for additional
Group homes, either by building or adaptation. This important part of
the mental health programme posed questions of adverse public reactions, and
doubts of the type of accommodation which should be built. The Boarding-Out
scheme continued to expand, and the extra places obtained equalled in
numbers several group homes. However, for some former patients this is not
suitable accommodation.
Health Education
Although the Health Education Officer mentions matters of particular
interest, it is the routine and perhaps humdrum work which is probably of
the most importance. Thus education about the dangers of venereal disease
or drug addiction is included in general health education programmes to
school children and teenagers. In this way knowledge and warnings can be
imparted without implying that these are exceptional hazards and thus stimulating
morbid curiosity.
Communicable Diseases
Limited supplies of vaccine curtailed protection against measles. Nevertheless
the anticipated outbreak due in 1969 produced less than half the
cases noted in previous years. Cautious optimism is justifiable. There were
cases of typhoid fever contracted by holiday makers visiting Tunisia, and
one young woman died suddenly from a sequal to this infection. Intending
travellers were advised to have vaccination against the enteric diseases.
Attendances for treatment of all forms of venereal disease at the Special
Clinic at the Croydon General Hospital rose by 42% over 1968.
Clean Air
The programme was not affected by lack of smokeless solid fuel, but
there were warnings of difficulties ahead. The benefits of clean air have
become too obvious for this to be more than a passing interruption in the programme
to make the whole Borough subject to Smoke Control Orders.
Health Services Co-ordination
Collaboration at Member and at Officer level, which has achieved unification
of many services since 1948, continued. Joint decisions on the
effectiveness of schemes rested on their value to the residents of Croydon
rather than the source of supporting finance. Thus efficiency was combined
with economy to a degree which supports the delegation of powers to local
authorities having common boundaries and united civic interests. We hope
that any new legislation will not disript these efforts.