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There was an increase in the number of cases of Sonne dysentery and there were 7 minor outbreaks in
institutions, including schools and day nurseries. Improved sanitary accommodation and better hygiene would
probably prevent many of the cases.
Housing still remains the most important work of the department on the environmental side. A houseto-house
survey in selected areas in all parts of the borough was completed, and attention has now been
directed to slum clearance. This work is co-ordinated with that of the re-development scheme in the South
Kilburn area, so that there can be phased rehousing of the inhabitants of the slum areas.
The first slum clearance area in Willesden Lane and Winchester Avenue has already been dealt with,
and official representations have now been made on two of the others.
The campaign for clean food has been stimulated by the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955, which
came into operation on the 1st January, 1956. It has contributed considerably to a marked improvement in
hygiene in the production and sale of food.
For the first time for several years there was no outbreak of food poisoning in the borough. The
public again helped by bringing a larger number of specimens of contaminated food to the Health Department.
The occupational health service for borough council employees has resulted in many improvements in
conditions of work and of medical advice given to employees suffering from disability or chronic illness.
There has been an extension in the service for old people, and voluntary organisations have played
a most important part in this. However, the time has come when local authorities must accept more
responsibility for the care of old people, who are still deficient in many essential services, particularly chiropody,
adequate housing, better nutrition, and facilities for recreation.
Because of the large number of accidents taking place in the home, mostly affecting children under
5 years and people over 65 years of age, a Home Safety Committee was formed in November, 1956 to draw
the attention of the public to this problem, and to introduce methods of preventing home accidents.
The Chief Public Health Inspector, Mr. F. Taylor, retired in November after 31 years service with the
Council. His pleasing personality and thorough knowledge of the district as a result of his long association
will be missed by all in the department.
This has been a most interesting year for public health in Willesden, and my sincere thanks go to
councillors, members of the staff and public health inspectors, who have played such an important role in the
health and welfare of the people in the borough.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
S. LEFF,
Medical Officer of Health.