View report page

7
largest Authorities to retain the powers they have, far less to add to
them, and it marks a milestone in this Council's progress as a
Sanitary Authority.
The question of food hygiene received our especial attention
and noteworthy in this connection is the agreement we reached
with the Local Education Authority whereby the arrangements
obtaining in local school canteens fell to be inspected by us and
considered subsequently by both ourselves and the said Authority.
Housing.
Such slum property as exists in the district cannot yet receive
adequate attention and the housing problem still largely relates to
overcrowding and the subsequent complications which arise therefrom.
This Authority is making rapid progress with its re-housing
plans and any medical considerations relating to housing applications
receive a full measure of consideration when the relative
priorities are assessed.
General.
The general sanitary circumstances of the district, including,
for example, water supply, sewerage conversions and the like,
receive our constant supervision.
The district is favoured by having a number of well maintained
and developed open spaces which are being developed as rapidly as
the present difficult circumstances will permit. Such amenities
must go far to maintain the well being of our population. The
addition of further amenities, e.g. swimming baths, are far from
escaping the attention of the Council, but again must of necessity
await the advent of more favourable times.
Administration.
It is worthy of particular note that late in the year I undertook
as a temporary measure, duties which entailed my being Deputy to
the Area Medical Officer. This secured a very desirable integration
of our local sanitary services with those provided by the Local
Health Authority. It could not of course be achieved without having
its effect upon our existing administrative arrangements and apart
from any personal repercussions it clearly entails the bearing of
considerable added responsibility by the Senior Sanitary Inspector.
Acknowledgements.
My best thanks are due especially to the Chairman of the Public
Health Committee as well as to the members of the Council generally
and to my colleagues in my own and other departments for the
plenitude of their co-operation during the year.
I am, your obedient servant,
James Gorman, M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H.,
Medical Officer of Health.