View report page

admission to hospital of any given case, we do know that our
opinions receive due weight.
It will scarcely be necessary for me to point out that we do
try to help our elderly chronic sick in every other way, by the
supply of home nurses and home helps (Middlesex County Council)
and by visits from Health Visitors and Sanitary Inspectors.
Most of this work is carried out under the auspices of the County
Council, although the Public Health Department is also concerned.
We keep in very close touch with the Old People's Welfare Committee,
and with other voluntary organisations. Finally, we make
the best possible use of the homes provided bv the Middlesex
County Council, and by other voluntary bodies.
It will still be realised that these activities are palliative, and
do not provide an ultimate solution to a problem which is constantly
increasing in magnitude. At the present moment, it is
difficult to visualise an adequate solution. In the meantime, therefore,
we are compelled to continue our present policy, ever living
in the hope, however pious, that matters will improve.
It is at least satisfactory to know that special accommodation
is being provided in the Borough for elderly people. This is very
badly needed, and will undoubtedly play its part in providing some
amelioration for a class of the community which is most unfortunately
placed.
The position in regard to the admission of cases of infective
disease to hospital remains as set out in my Annual Report for
1951. No difficulties have been encountered, and I should like to
take this opportunity once again of thanking the Medical Superintendent
of South Lodge Isolation Hospital and also the Medical
Superintendent of Coppetts Wood Isolation Hospital for the help
and consideration so willingly supplied throughout the year.
No difficulties have been experienced in regard to the admission
to hospital of expectant mothers. The position in this respect
has eased very considerably since the difficult days immediately
following the war. Here again, of course, this is a matter which
directly concerns Regional Hospital Boards and the Area Health
administration of the County Council.
Laboratory Facilities
A summary of the work carried out at the Central Public
Health Laboratory during the year 1952 is set out below.
It is once again very pleasing to record the great assistance
afforded by the Public Health Laboratory Service. Those of us
who remember the days when we had no comparable Laboratory
Service at our disposal, are very cognisant of the urgent need which
this Service has met. We are not only grateful for the work carried
17