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PUBLIC HEALTH
General
In Table I under the heading Public Health are set out the number
of visits made, divided under various sub-headings. The figures
for 1956 are given for purposes of comparison. It will be noted
that the amount of visits made are considerably less than on the
previous year. In previous reports it has been pointed out that the
number of visits have little relation to the actual amount of work.
However, the number of complaints of various types received
from residents has this year been less. It should be borne in mind
that a number of defects which would normally have been recorded
under this heading have been dealt with under the Rent Act, 1957,
by the issue of Certificates of Disrepair or by the acceptance of
Undertakings from landlords.
Nuisances and Sanitary Defects
The number of visits made under this heading are just over a
hundred less than in 1956. These visits relate in the majority of cases
to either complaints from residents or to subsequent visits referring
to those complaints. The number of preliminary notices served
during the year as may be seen in Table II is very considerably less
than in 1956. As previously stated in the paragraph headed "General"
the number of complaints received were less and it is normal that
the preliminary notices are reduced. Table III shows a list of repairs
carried out as a result of notices served on owners and is also reduced.
Why there have been less complaints received is not known and
can only be regarded as an improvement in general conditions
affecting this heading. Over a period of years the nature of complaints
has altered very considerably. The matters complained about in
recent years would have been, in a large number of cases, regarded
as trivial 20 years ago. However, all complaints relating to buildings,
nuisances or hygienic conditions receive close attention and are
dealt with when possible. The standards of Public Health have still
room for considerable improvement but it is gratifying to see the
advance that has been made over the past two decades.
Infectious Disease and Food Poisoning
The number of visits made in relation to this heading are considerably
below those in 1956. These are directly related to the number
of cases of infectious disease visited by the Public Health
Inspectors. The diseases visited are Diphtheria, Scarlet Fever,
Poliomyelitis, Food Poisoning and Dysentry. Other types of
disease may receive a visit if the Medical Officer of Health so directs.
Food Poisoning cases, of which only four were notified during the
year, always receive close attention and every endeavour is made
to trace the vehicle of infection.
Schools
The conveniences and canteens of schools are visited regularly.
The school canteens in the main comply with the Food Hygiene
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