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Mr Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors,
There have been two developments in the health services of the
Borough during the year on which I would like to comment.
The first is the considerable progress which has been made towards
the registration of child minders and the establishment of a
satisfactory system of supervising them. I am, of course, aware
of the great need for child minders in the Borough but I am anxious
that this should not be an influence leading to any reduction of
standards. I am confident that the dual aims of expansion and
maintenance of standards can be achieved.
The most important advance during the year has been the improved
family planning facilities which resulted from the review carried
out in 1968. These are now available at five of the Council's
clinics, provided either by its own staff or by arrangements made
with the Family Planning Association. In addition, a domiciliary
service, clinics in association with hospital post-natal
departments, and the Youth Advisory Service combined to make up a
comprehensive scheme. Whilst I am sure that there is need for
still further expansion in this field of maternal and child health,
I feel our present service is a base from which this can
satisfactorily take place.
I would like to thank the members of those committees of the
Council concerned with its health services together with the staff
of the department for their help during the year.
Your Obedient Servant
I H SEPPELT
Medical Officer of Health
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