London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

View report page

Southgate 1938

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southgate]

This page requires JavaScript

APPENDIX.
I. Health Publicity.
The most noteworthy feature of health publicity during 1938
was the inauguration of the film shows in October, made possible
by the purchase of an up-to-date Bell and Howell sound film
projector. During the summer I wrote to all the organisations in
the Borough whom I thought might be willing to accept a film show
in their winter programme. The response was exceedingly gratifying,
and I have not the slightest doubt that the inception of this
film service represents a very important milestone in the health
history of Southgate. The audiences were invariably appreciative,
and increased in number as the standard of the films provided
became more widely known. During 1939 it is hoped that we
may be able to extend our activities, by making and exhibiting a
film illustrative of all the health activities within the Borough.
Such a film would undoubtedly enhance the value of the publicity,
as the personal touch is the only element still lacking to render
this type of propaganda almost one hundred per cent. effective.
The following table sets out the details regarding the film
shows given from October until the end of the year:
Number of film displays given 19
Approximate number in audiences 3,400
Number of different films shown 23
Cost of films met by the Public Health
Department 15s.
In addition to the film activities, useful propaganda was
obtained by the publication of a booklet issued by Ed. J. Burrow
& Co., Ltd., supplying an illustrated resume of the health services
available to the burgesses of Southgate. This excellent brochure
was distributed throughout the Borough, and received a favourable
reception. Five hundred copies remain to be received during 1939.
The usual avenues of publicity explored in previous years were
also made use of during 1938. Health articles in the local Press,
distribution of suitable literature, publication of the local edition
of "Better Health," talks to various associations, etc.—all these
means were employed to further the cause of Public Health and to
stimulate interest in this most vital subject.
83