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To: The Worshipful The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the London Borough of Haringey
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present the report on the health of the Borough of Haringey for the year ended
31 December, 1971.
In 1971 the Haringey electorate once again changed course so that during the year we moved from a policy of
retrenchment in the early months to expansion in the latter months and although the routine work of the
Department was carried on with its usual efficiency, the Health Department had to prove its flexibility in
meeting the new situation.
We adapted to the departure of our Social Services element. The brief period of retrenchment early in the year
allowed the Chief Nursing Officer to prepare a new Nursing Staff structure on the lines advocated in the Mayston
report. Dr. Orton, the Deputy Medical Officer of Health, completed his paper on "The Infected Terrapin"
which was published in Community Medicine on 18th February, 1972, and the Medical Officer of Health himself
was given a period of study leave so that he might view the current field of general medical practice in an
attempt to visualise the future evolution of the Health Service.
The new Health Committee adopted an expansive approach towards Health Services and reintroduced a policy for
the building of Health Centres. They also introduced the vaccination of 13 year old schoolgirls against Rubella in
order to free them from the risk of producing a deformed child during their reproductive lives.
The Committee continued to expand the Family Planning Services through the agency of the Family Planning
Association and new clinics were opened at Stroud Green and Park Lane. The Committee supported the view of
the Family Planning Association that every woman should have a wanted baby.
During the year the Council was seriously concerned about the future of St. Ann's Hospital, which has been
omitted from the North East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board's future plans for District General Hospitals.
The Council is satisfied that this hospital should retain its present status which is equivalent to that of a general
district hospital in the best interests of the Health service provided to Haringey residents.
In conclusion, I wish to record my thanks to Councillor Mrs. Levinson and Councillor Mrs. Lipson, Chairmen of
the Health Committee during the year and to the members of both Committees for their encouragement and
support. My thanks are specially due to the staff of the Health Department for their loyal and efficient service
during a year of considerable change.
I have the honour to be your obedient servant,
J.L. PATTON
Medical Officer of Health