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Converted buildings for clinical purposes are nearly always
unsuitable. The work in the Edmonton Clinic has increased
threefold since it was opened many years ago, and only one small
hut has been added since then. It is time a new building was
established for this very important health service.
The state of health in Edmonton continues to be satisfactory.
Over a number of years the Statistical Record of the Borough
shows an increasing advance from year to year. This advance
has been very rapid since World War II and may be attributed
to two main factors:—
(1) The increased and continued efforts made by your Officers,
and the co-ordinated team work of the various sections;
the one with the other, and,
(2) The uprooting of established prejudices consequent on
bringing large sections of the community together. This
has brought home to some individuals that it is as easy
in the long run to do the right thing the right way than
to do it the wrong way. It was a practical lesson in
Health Education.
The Public Health Medical Officers, Health Visitors, Midwives
and Sanitary Inspectors should be trained more in Health
Education than these Officers have hitherto been. A great deal has
already been done but the range of Health Education must become
wider and wider rather than confining our attention to our own
particular section.
Public Health Officers have excellent opportunities to influence
those with whom they come in contact in health matters. These
Officers must be trained in their methods of approach as well as
being fully conversant with the subject matter which they wish to
put across.
The modern Medical Officer of Health must not only be
trained according to the Statutes and Orders laid down by the
Ministry, but must also be a teacher. To understand fully the
Social and Public Health Services some fundamental knowledge
of government, both local and central, is necessary. As headlines,
a knowledge of Population and Vital Statistics are also necessary.
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