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GENERAL.
Generally speaking, the White Paper does not propose to simplify the administration of health services in
Willesden or elsewhere.
At present two authorities—the County Council and the Willesden Council—provide these services in
Willesden. Under the proposals of the White Paper three authorities—the Joint Board, the County Council and the
Willesden Borough Council—will all be concerned unless the Middlesex County Council by itself is constituted a
joint board. It should also be noted that in a way the Central Medical Board is a fourth authority, as it would appear
that Local Authorities will be unable to make such medical appointments as they desire, and the way in which they
desire, except via this Board.
An obscure paragraph headed "The Part of Medical Officers of Health and Others" in the White Paper is
worthy of quotation as it is the only reference to Medical Officers of Health in the document :—
"Whatever changes there may be in the scope of the health services locally provided and in the local
organization for providing them, it is clear that there will be an even more important part in the future than
there has been in the past for social medicine and the medical organization of public health. The new service
will make great calls upon all those medical men and women already engaged in the work of local health
authorities, and upon all those who assist in the ancillary services now; just as it will give new scope and
better opportunity, not only to those already engaged, but to newcomers to this branch of professional life."
GEORGE F. BUCHAN,
Medical Officer of Health.
1st March, 1944.