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PUBLIC HEALTH
General
In Table I Public Health, a list of visits and inspections are detailed
under various main headings of this subject. It will be noticed that
in actual numbers they are less than the previous year. A variation in
figures is natural and has little relation to the amount of work
carried out; during the year the department has been exceptionally
busy. The number of complaints from residents has remained
above average.
Nuisances and Sanitary Defects
Under this heading 4,236 visits were made as against 4,478
visits the previous year. These visits relate in the main to complaints
and subsequent visits made to ensure that work is carried out.
This drop is not significant as previously stated. The number of
complaints received has not changed to any considerable extent
from the previous year. The preliminary notices served during the
year (Table II) show an increase. This is due to the Food Hygiene
Regulations and the numbers outstanding are largely due to these
Regulations. Statutory notices have been slightly less. Table III
gives a list of repairs, etc., carried out as a result of the notices
served and does not vary to any appreciable extent from year to
year.
A comparison of figures between two consecutive years does not
give any guide as to the general position as many independent
factors cause considerable variations from year to year. However,
over a period of 15 years there is undoubtedly a decrease in the number
of complaints regarding defects in houses, and the defects in
housing which are the subject of complaint are as a whole far less
serious. From personal observation I feel that the general standard
of living conditions has improved considerably over this period.
Infectious Disease and Food Poisoning
There has been an increase in the number of visits made in regard
to this heading but if Table I of the Medical Officer of Health's
report is consulted it will be seen that there is an increase in scarlet
fever over the previous year. As this is a disease in which the household
is visited and information regarding contacts, etc., obtained,
this could account for the greater number of visits. In respect of
food poisoning there have been 12 cases notified and 9 of dysentery.
This is considerably more than the previous year. In addition to
these notified cases a number of suspected cases have been visited.
Schools
The conveniences and canteens attached to schools are visited
regularly. In the event of any defect the County Council are informed.
The Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955, are phrased so as to include
a canteen attached to a school.
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