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isations concerned with the welfare of old people, so that
effort can be properly channelled in order to prevent overlapping
and to fill existing gaps. It would be a truism
to say that the problem is increasing. Indeed, as with
other matters, e.g. pollution of atmosphere, it looks very
much as though the problem will have to be dealt with on a
national basis, if it is not to assume proportions which will
be quite beyond our resources to meet. We cannot afford
to neglect our old folk, either on a humanitarian or economic
basis. They deserve our help; if that help is not forthcoming,
we will surely deserve the consequences.
National Assistance Act 1948.
Section 47. Removal to suitable premises of persons in need
of care and attention.
No formal action was taken under this section
during the year.
Section 50. Burial or cremation of the dead.
No action was necessary under this section during
1955.
Laboratory Facilities.
Once again, we did not have to call upon the
Laboratory to any extent during 1955, owing to the absence
of major outbreaks of infectious disease or any other untoward
happenings. None the less, I would place on record
my personal appreciation of the great help extended to the
Public Health Department by the Director and staff of the
Central Public Health Laboratory at Colindale, and the
Branch Laboratory at Coppetts Wood Hospital. This help
has invariably been forthcoming in generous measure. It
has not only been of practical assistance, but remains as
a safeguard upon which we know we can always rely.
Summary of work carried out at Public Health Laboratories
for the year 1955.
Throat and Nose Swabs 4
Faeces 39
Sputum 3
Ice Cream 47
Milk 33
Others 7
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