View report page

4
TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF THE
BOROUGH OF LETT OH
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit this, my first Annual Report, as
required by the Ministry of Health, and for the convenience of Members
this also includes sections on the County Health Services (National Health
Service Act—Part III) and the School Health Service.
My predecessor, Dr. A. W. Forrest, retired from duty in May, 1955,
after a period of twenty-seven years' service with the Borough Council.
From the date of his retirement, Dr. M. L. Gilchrist, Deputy Medical
Officer of Health, served as Acting Medical Officer of Health until I
commenced duty on 1st August, 1955.
As this Report constitutes a review of a year during which three
different officers have been responsible for the work of the Health
Department, it cannot be otherwise than fragmentary.
In the body of the Report attention is drawn to the problems
regarding food hygiene, atmospheric pollution, housing, population trends
and the care of the elderly. The latter problem will increase rather than
decrease in the future. However, it is pleasing to note the interest taken
in the old people, both by the statutory authorities and the various
voluntary organisations in the Borough.
The duties of a new Medical Officer of Health cannot meet with
success without the support of the Council, the co-operation of the Chief
Officers of other departments, and the loyalty of the staff of the Health
Department.
To all these my thanks are due for their much valued assistance.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
MELVILLE WATKINS