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6
Fortunately there were no fatal cases, and the symptoms though
acute, did not persist for long. From an epidemiological point of
view the outbreak presented many aspects of great interest and the
investigation was greatly facilitated by the willing co-operation afforded
by the staff of the factory.
the
future.
There are indications that the exercise of the
provisions of the Education Act, 1944, relating
to the School Medical Service will be largely
delegated to the Corporation by the County Council and that when
the draft of the promised Bill to establish a national health service is
published, it will have regard to integrating the maternity and child
welfare service with the school medical service. If events justify this
surmise, distinct advantages will emerge; it will be possible to arrange
for the medical and nursing staff to supervise the welfare of families
as units, the same individual doctors and nurses will be able to watch
the progress of the families from the stage of ante-natal care to schoolleaving
age. This in addition to providing mutual confidence will widen
the scope of the staff and thus maintain their professional interest.
I gladly seize upon this opportunity of recording my thanks to
the staff of this department, including those engaged on civil defence,
for their loyal co-operation during a very difficult year. To the latter
I bid farewell, sharing with them the gratitude we all feel that circumstances
have rendered their services no longer necessary.
Finally, I would offer my sincere thanks to the Chairman and
Members of the Health Services Committee for their continued help
and interest in the work of the Public Health Department.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
CECIL HERINGTON,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
Civic Centre,
Dagenham.