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Another innovation during the year was the appointment of three Welfare Assistants
to undertake systematic house to house visiting. It is found that about half the old
people visited can be given information which they did not know and which can add something
to their lives, while about 80 - 90% of them really appreciate the visit which,
amongst other things, is a sign of the concern of the local authority However, the
outstanding value of the scheme is in the 7-8% found with one or more serious needs.
The plight of many of these people is not known to anyone and in other cases where the
need is known nobody has felt responsible for doing anything about it.
Though Leyton has no shortage of the more striking triumphs of course the daily
round is what matters to the individual members of the public, and Leyton can also be
proud of the particularly close family atmosphere that has prevailed between the public
and the clinics. The clinics have been centres for the people of the area in more than
the purely physical sense and the staff have built up the friendliest liaison with the
schools, the children, the mothers and indeed the old folk as well.
It is invidious to mention names when so many have worked so hard, but I am sure
that other staff will forgive me if, in thanking them all for their service throughout
the year, I thank specially my deputy Dr. Mary Gilchrist who has not only been a tower
of strength to me but also a friend and advisor to countless families in Leyton during
33 years of the most dedicated service.
I should like to thank all the professional staff, the technical staff and the
manual staff in all their so varied fields and also the administrative staff headed by
Mr.W.D.Softley who has the special attribute of having been employed by Leyton Borough
through its entire existence, being a clerk full time on infectious disease in its
early days.
The staff also owe their thanks to those of other departments who have always been
so helpful when the functions of the health department have needed their co-operation,
to the General Practitioners, and to the large number of volunteers and voluntary
organisations.
Finally, may I express ray thanks to the Council and to the two Health Committees
for their support during the year - a support and Interest which has always been of the
greatest encouragement through the years - and in particular to Alderman Mrs. A.M.M.
Burrell, Chairman of the Public Health Committee and Councillor F.W.Marshall, J.P.,
Chairman of the Leyton Health Area Sub-Committee for the interest they have shown
personally.
I have the honour to be
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health
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