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higher than was apparently the case before the war, continues to
give rise to concern. As I have just said, it means that conditions
are being allowed to exist which act to the prejudice of the public,
and which place the health and sometimes even the life of our
people in danger. It would be dangerous to argue that food
poisoning today is mild, that drastic action is not required, that an
illness lasting a few days need cause no one much concern. That
is surely a policy of despair. This country, which has a history
second to none in the realm of promoting health, should not rest
content until our reputation in the world of food hygiene has been
completely re-established.
In Southgate, with our limited number of Public Health
Inspectors, all of whom have many other duties to perform, we do
our best by periodic visits, selected inspections, advice and guidance,
and, where necessary, legal action, to improve the standard of
food hygiene in food premises operating within the Borough. This
is a never-ending task, as it must be admitted that we are still far
from approaching that ideal which all of us so fervently desire.
The staff of the Public Health Department also takes as many
opportunities as possible to address local organisations on the matter
of clean food, what part the housewife can play in this great effort,
what attitude the ordinary ratepayer should adopt. It is impossible
to say what impact these talks, very often accompanied by one or
more sound films, have. But it is hoped that a beneficial cumulative
effect will eventually be felt.
I am happy to be able to report that, during 1957, I was
invited by the Secretary of the Northern Hospital Group to visit
the kitchens at Highlands Hospital, Grovelands Hospital and the
Wood Green and Southgate Hospital. These visits are of the
greatest importance, establishing that cordial relationship which is
so essential between the Public Health services and local hospitals.
It also gives the Medical Officer of Health the opportunity of seeing,
at first hand, conditions which prevail in hospital kitchens, and,
when invited to do so, as I was, to make suggestions.
As I write this report, I have just agreed to a suggestion made
by the Central Public Health Laboratory that Southgate should
co-operate in a scheme for the investigation of all cases of salmonella
food poisoning occurring within the Borough. This investigation is
being carried out, not only in Southgate but in many other districts,
in an effort to establish the reason why salmonella food poisoning
has become so much more prevalent over the past few years. It
is certainly the type of investigation in which I know the Borough
Council will be only too happy to play a part.
Tuberculosis.
Forty-two cases of tuberculosis (38 pulmonary and four nonpulmonary)
were notified during the year, as against 49 in 1956.
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