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Summary.
It is evident that a summary of the changes made during the past five
years in the public health services of the area and the resulting measure of
progress made in the improvement of public health must necessarily, in the
first-named, be of a slight nature, and, in the second-named, be difficult of
measurement and, to a large extent, intangible at the present time. We can
only record the changes and leave the measurement of progress to the future.
In the early days of public health, the environment was regarded as the
chief factor, but, in recent years, more attention has been given to the
individual, and it is along these lines that most changes have taken place.
Taking environment first, one can record some improvement in the
atmosphere:—proper premises for a gut-scraper and improvements in a
smelting factory have nearly eliminated noxious or offensive gases and vapours
from these works.
The Metropolitan Water Board are giving careful attention to the provision
of a wholesome water.
The Council have erected, during this time, 302 houses.
A big sewerage scheme has been entered upon for the proper collection
and disposal of the sewerage ; though a great and necessary requirement, one
does not expect to be able to point definitely to any measure of improvement
in the near future.
Turning now to the individual, one is able to record more definite changes:
The municipal milk scheme came into force at the end of 1921. This
enables nursing mothers and young children to obtain milk at reduced prices,
provided the income comes within a certain scale.
Increased facilities for maternity and child welfare: different and more
suitable premises, an additional doctor's session and an additional Health
Visitor.
Scheme for orthopaedic treatment of children under five years of age.
Arrangements with the Day Nursery for the reception of children under
five into residence if the mother has to go into Hospital.
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