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MEDICAL OFFICER'S ANNUAL REPORT
Public Health Department,
Town Hall,
Hayes, Middlesex.
August, 1946.
To the Chairman and Members of the Urban District Council
of Hayes and Harlington
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you the Forty-first Annual
Report on the health of your Urban District. As in the case of
the previous six Annual Reports, this is abridged, in accordance
with the instructions of the Ministry of Health.
The year under review was notable as marking the end of the
war, with consequent disbandment of the Civil Defence Services,
the medical portion of which was under the supervision of this
Department.
Demobilisation of some of the men and women in the Forces
and the return of people evacuated to safer areas during the bombing
have contributed to making overcrowding a problem of the first
order. In spite of this the health of the district has remained
remarkably good, the only adverse feature being an increase in
the number of cases of tuberculosis notified. This is due in part
to the increase in early diagnosis made possible by an extensive
use of radiography. It is satisfactory to note that there has been
a slight decrease in the number of deaths from this disease.
Immunisation against diphtheria has been carried on to the
fullest extent possible. It is unfortunate that some people still
disregard the opportunity afforded them by your Council, without
cost to themselves, to have their children protected against this
disease. There has again been no death during the year from
diphtheria.
In July, 1945, the permission for tipping to be allowed at the
Yeading Refuse Dump having expired, the Minister of Health
extended this permission to July, 1947. This was no doubt
necessary under the circumstances, but it is to be hoped that this
period will not be further extended, as a refuse dump of this size
is most undesirable in a built-up area.
I should like to express my appreciation of the help which is
always readily given by the members and officers of the Council.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
J. STANLEY LLOYD,
Medical Officer of Health.
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