Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Finchley]
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Telephone No. : FINchley 0018
Public Health Department,
308, Regents Park Road,
Finchley, N.3.
TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF THE BOROUGH
OF FINCHLEY.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present my Report on the health and sanitary circumstances
of the Borough of Finchley for the year 1964. Under the provisions of the London
Government Act, 1963, the Borough of Finchley will cease to exist on the 31st March,
1965, when it is merged into the Greater London Borough of Barnet, and consequently
this will be the last Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the Borough
of Finchley.
Presenting the Report at this early stage and within the life of the Borough has
necessitated the use of some provisional figures. Again due to the limited time factor
and the considerable pressure of work arising from amalgamation, comment must be
brief.
It is indeed a pity that the Report for a year which has seen progress and accomplishment
in virtually every field of the work should have to be condensed. Health
education was intensified, a fillip was given to standards of food hygiene, the miniature
mass radiography unit visited the Borough, facilities and hygiene in public conveniences
were improved, the Borough undertook the collection of refuse by direct labour with
resounding success, the number of Council housing applicants supported on medical
grounds rehoused was 51, compared with 18 last year, and the clean air programme
progressed to the extent that 70% of the total acreage of the Borough will be a smoke
control area by the Autumn of 1965.
Mr. J. Gray, Chief Public Health Inspector, retired in June after serving the
Borough loyally and with distinction for 36 years. To the staff I extend sincere
gratitude for the high standard of work and the manner in which it was performed,
and in particular mention the loyal and substantial support I received from Mr. Millen,
Chief Public Health Inspector and Mr. Jupp, Chief Administrative Assistant. In
conclusion, I thank the Chairman and Members of the Public Health Committee for
the consideration and support they so readily accorded me.
I am,
Your obedient servant,
J. D. RUSSELL,
Medical Officer of Health.
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