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7
relatives will need help and support for which demand is virtually limitless,
and is finally controlled by the extent of financial resources. With such a
burden to sustain it is clearly imperative to avoid any unnecessary duplication,
and an integrated service which co-ordinates the efforts of all concerned
is essential.
Health Education
There is no easy method of instant health education, and while the
Principal Health Education Officer describes some new aspects of her section,
it is the pattern of routine work which really achieves results. The resurgence
of interest in the effect on health of environmental factors which are amenable
only to action by the whole community is welcome, but does not lessen the
vital need for individuals to preserve and promote their own fitness by personal
efforts. Health education can seem an unrewarding task, especially since excessive
zeal which results in rejection of, sometimes unpalatable advice, must
be avoided.
Clean Air
The mild winter made unnecessary the partial suspension of orders to meet
the expected shortage of smokeless fuel. It is hoped that no setbacks will prevent
the completion of the scheme to apply the Act to the whole of the former
County Borough area. There can be little doubt that the Clean Air Act has fulfilled
all the promises made for this first stage of controlling air pollution. I
trust the scheme will apply to the whole of the London Borough, and that
national legislation will eventually review the possibility of reducing the invisible
pollution of urban atmospheres.
Home Helps
Miss Heath, who developed this service in Croydon following her appointment
as Supervisor in 1952, provides her final report having decided not to
transfer to the new Social Services Department. Her departure is much regretted
as she was a devoted and highly successful organiser.
Health Services Co-ordination
In many previous reports I have mentioned success in co-operative
schemes in Croydon which combine the three existing branches of the Health
Service. New legislation forecast during the year seeks to ensure a statutory
basis for such co-ordination. However, it does seem that similar techniques
will be needed in the future for co-operation with Departments of Social
Service, and every effort was made in 1970 to continue and strengthen existing
joint enterprises to withstand possible future disruptive changes.
Ac know ledge me nts
Firstly I must express to Members of the Committee, and especially to the
Chairman, my appreciation of their patience and understanding during a period