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24
MASSAGE AND SPECIAL TREATMENT ESTABLISHMENTS
In 1951 four new licences were granted and there were then
27 establishments in the Borough. In addition to these, four
persons were granted exemption from licensing by virtue of being
members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.
Two applicants were refused on the grounds that they did not
possess the necessary technical qualifications.
During the year the "Cope Committee" published its report
on the qualifications required for medical auxiliaries to be employed
in the National Health Service.
The Council took the view, with which I am in full agreement,
that a physiotherapist or chiropodist in private practice having
less medical supervision than one working in hospital requires to
be at least as well qualified.
A draft Byelaw was drawn up embodying these recommendations
and submitted to the Home Secretary for approval—
with a clause exempting such persons who were already licensed
and in practice.
The Home Secretary, however, was unable to agree to the
making of such a Byelaw at present and it will be necessary to
await further Government action in the matter.
Meanwhile each application for a new licence to open an
establishment for massage and special treatment is considered carefully
on its merits. By these means the general standing of such
establishments in the Borough has been brought to a very high
level.
Regular inspections are carried out by the staff of the
Department.
HEALTH EDUCATION
In the past it has been the practice to display in the Department
waiting rooms leaflets drawing attention to and giving advice
on whatever infectious disease is prevalent at the time, such as
influenza, measles, infantile paralysis, etc.
The interest shown by the public in these leaflets led to an
extension of this means of health education and a display tray
was made and placed in the vestibule of the Town Hall.
Various leaflets published by the Ministry of Health, the Central
Council for Health Education, and other bodies, were obtained and
the tray replenished daily with different leaflets,