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MIDDLESEX COUNTY COUNCIL ACT, 1955
ESTABLISHMENTS FOR MASSAGE AND SPECIAL TREATMENT: During 1960, nine existing
licences were renewed.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
In pursuance of the Council's powers of disinfection under the
Public Health Act, a laundry service for incontinent persons was started in
May 1959, in co-operation with the laundry section of St. Ann's Hospital,
Tottenham. Collection and delivery was up to twice weekly as required, and
during 1960, 5938 articles had been collected, laundered and delivered back.
During this period 23 persons were catered for. In the main, this service is
made use of by aged persons, but it is not restricted to the old, and the Borough
is prepared to deal with soiled linen from persons of all ages if necessary.
HEALTH EDUCATION
Home Safety and the dangers of smoking were again the two subjects
emphasised. The programme of illustrated talks to old people's clubs and
organisations was part of the "Check that Fall" campaign continued during the
first quarter of 1960, and members of the organisations completed questionnaires
on four hazards in their homes at the end of each talk. Subsequently,
such matters as sanitary defects and gas or electricity meters in awkward places
were put right in the homes concerned. In October 1960, a reprint from the
Readers' Digest on dangers in the home was distributed to the Public Libraries.
During the period October to December 1960 there was a Home Safety Poster
Competition in the schools.
Smoking and cancer was highlighted by poster publicity during the
Summer and a health bulletin distributed to the secondary schools in October.
Senior forms in one of the Grammar Schools was asked to comment on the bulletin
and they did so with some force. Their main criticisms were:-
1. That the bulletin was much too simple.
2. That in drawing attention to the dangers of smoking the
Health Department was hitting a nail that was already home.
In March 1960, it was decided to support the County Council's
Immunisation Campaign by sending a letter to the parents of a new baby at three
months. The letter simply congratulates the parents and suggests that although
the worst three months are over, vaccination and immunisation will be a considerable
help in getting the child through the dangers of the coming year.
Assistance to the Elderly:
In April 1960 I became Honorary Secretary of the Edmonton Welfare
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