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from birth to school leaving age linking with employment, and
primarily needs the continuity of care which is at present being
provided.
In the latter part of 1971 a re-assessment and re-appraisal of
present and future policies of all the other aspects of the health
department work was begun. It became apparent that now was the
optimum time for making firm foundations for community health
especially in the preventive field and to work for their expansion
so that the services for Havering are well developed before they
become absorbed into the National Health Service and have to
compete for resources with the curative services.
It is hoped that with this optimistic outlook that the present staff,
with your hfelp, will tackle future problems energetically. Recruitment
is proving to be difficult in these uncertain times which
make expansion of services difficult but positive plans should
prevent depletion of our already committed staff.
The final part of 1971 was concerned with preparation for the
proposed move of office accommodation to Romford, and although
this may prove disrupting for a short time, the close proximity
with the other local authority departments will lead in time to
even closer co-operation than that which is enjoyed at the
present time.
My thanks are due to the Chairman and the members of the
Housing and Health Services Committee and the Council and to
the staff of the Department and to the wide range of professional
colleagues and voluntary workers whose co-operation and goodwill
is so important in the efficient provision of services to the
public.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
F. GROARKE,
Medical Officer of Health.
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