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long felt need has now been filled by the institution by the
County Council of an incontinence pads service. Only those who
have had to cope with all the washing and unpleasantness involved
in nursing the incontinent, can appreciate fully the
benefit of disposal pads, and the provision of the service has
meant that a number of people who would otherwise have to enter
hospital have been able to stay at home.
Work on Home Safety has continued quietly chiefly by talks
and films, some given to clubs and a few to school children.
Although local statistics about the number of home accidents
treated in hospital have been available for some time, it was
felt that this is not sufficient and that if home accidents
were notifiable to the Medical Officer of Health more could be
done in prevention by judicious visiting and advice. Pending
action on a national scale the Health and Safety Committee
decided to try and achieve local notification voluntarily, and
approached the Uxbridge Group Hospital Management Committee
with a request that the matter should be considered. At the
time of writing no reply had been received but the request was
under consideration.
The vital statistics are very similar to those of previous
years. There has been another small rise in the birth rate
and I am pleased to be able to report a fall in the still birth
rate to the lowest for 20 years but the infectious diseases'and
Perinatal death rates have risen which is less encouraging.
Finally I should like to thank the members of the Council
especially those of the Public Health Committee for their support
during the year. This is my opportunity to record my appreciation
of the work of the Public Health Department staff who have been
so willing and loyal over the years; unfortunately the better
their work is done the less conspicuous it becomes and smooth
running is almost the only sign of efficiency.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
V. SHAW
Medical Officer of Health
* Tables showing the incidence of infectious diseases will be
found on page 46.
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