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" The protection of community health also requires that the
Medical Officer of Health shall be assisted by all the developments
of modern medicine in the form of diagnostic clinics, specially
equipped institutions for priority classes, and by the assistance of
various specialists. Whatever may be the division of responsibility,
it must be ensured that the Medical Officer of Health is in a position
to make the most effective integration of such special services."
Only too often does the Medical Officer of Health find himself
frustrated by delays in administration and other factors. It is
necessary, therefore, that the sentiments expressed above should
be recognised in association with the position of the Medical Officer
of Health.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children.
Children.—We owe a great deal to the National Society whose
wonderful work has brought great benefit to the children in this
district. Easily, unobtrusively, a great service is brought to the
aid of the citizen without cost to himself. Frequently some of the
most heart-rending cases have their problems solved by this Society.
In Edmonton we have now been allocated the services of an
officer, wholly for the use of this district. Suffice it to say, the
work done by the National Society and the manner of its purpose is
worthy of the highest praise.
Accommodation.—Two buildings formerly used as Day
Nurseries have now been converted to Clinic use. They are filling
a much-needed service, long overdue. The altered buildings are
fitting quite adequately into the new service.
Sanitary Inspectors.—Further to my Report of 1953, we
were again faced with a considerably depleted staff of Sanitary
Inspectors during the past year, with the consequent difficulty of
maintaining the continuity of their work, which is so essential to
the Public Health Services. At one period during the year we
were reduced to one-half of our establishment of Sanitary
Inspectors.
In July, 1954, the Council decided to introduce Trainee Sanitary
Inspectors, and two such Trainees were subsequently appointed.
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