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9
old-fashioned epidemics have been largely brought under
control but have been largely offset by the increase in the
incidence of the so-called psychosomatic diseases such as
coronary thrombosis, peptic ulcer, certain forms of cancer,
the psychoneuroses and by the new endemics, accidents on
the roads and in the home. Most disturbing of all is the
great increase in the last few decades, of mental ill-health
as shown by the high proportion of hospital beds taken up
by the mentally sick. The causes of this social malaise are
very complex and have their roots in the rapid changes
which our society has undergone in recent years. Prevention
and cure of disease is not enough to ensure true health in a
modern society. The promotion of health by a consciouslydirected
policy based, not only on the causes of disease, but
on the causes of health remains, as always, the greatest
challenge to statesmanship at the present time.
In conclusion I wish to thank the Chairman and Meniere
of the Health Committee for their support and encouragement,
and the Chief Public Health Inspector, Chief Clerk
and all members of the Health Department for their devoted
service during the year.
I am,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN LANDON,
Medical Officer of Health.