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There was a slight increase in the number of samples of ice cream graded 2, 3 or 4, which was
anticipated when the sale of soft ice cream, particularly by itinerant vendors, increased. The bacterial
cleanliness of ice cream is still determined by the methylene blue reduction test, but this is only one of several
combined methods of investigation. Grades 1 and 2 are considered satisfactory unless repeated grade 2
samples are taken from the same vendor, when cultures are made to indentify the organism in case it is a
type resistant to pasteurisation. These organisms are, however, seldom responsible for grade 3 or 4 results.
Faulty practice during production and/or distribution is the cause of unsatisfactory samples.
Many producers accept responsibility for the sterilisation of the itinerant vendor's equipment. The
van is returned to the depot each night and trained personnel do the work. Many vendors, however, cleanse
their apparatus themselves, and unless sufficient supplies of hot and cold water are available, sterilisation
may be incomplete and grade 3 or 4 samples result. Such traders are known to the department, and samples
are taken whenever they are found in the borough.
Four of the unsatisfactory samples of water from domestic supplies came from two flats in the same
block. On investigation, it was found that the tank supplying both flats had been left uncovered. The
owners had the tank cleansed and covered, and a subsequent sample was completely satisfactory. The other
unsatisfactory sample came from the supply to a sink. The owners disconnected the supply from a tank in
the roof space and connected it direct to the main.
The two unsatisfactory paddling pool samples came from King Edward VII Park and were probably
due to children contaminating the water by running on the grass verges, surrounds and sandpit adjoining
the pool.
Uncleanliness and scabies (Table 10)
Since September, 1952, treatment for scabies, lice and nits has been carried out by arrangement with
the Middlesex County Council at the Stonebridge Health Clinic, and since April, 1962 at the Chichester
Terrace Clinic. The nurse who carried out treatment at Chichester Terrace Clinic resigned in November
and as it was not possible to obtain a replacement, treatment had to be discontinued.
As compared with 1962 there has been a considerable decrease in the number of adults and children,
particularly school children, treated for lice and nits. There has been a very slight increase in the number of
children under five and adults treated for scabies, but the numbers treated are still small and there is no
evidence of a significant increase in the prevalence of this condition among the population.
Establishments for Massage and Special Treatment
The registration of establishments for massage and special treatment is delegated to the Borough
Council under Part XII of the Middlesex County Council Act, 1944.
During the year 20 licences were renewed. An exemption from licensing was claimed under the
Act for a registered member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. All the applicants are suitable persons
to hold licences, and their premises were found satisfactory.
The Council refused to grant a new licence in one case because the person who would have administered
the treatment did not possess a technical qualification.
Health education
In the modern community it is essential that all citizens have a knowledge of the principles of health
and are able to practise the simple rules of hygiene. This knowledge helps many people to avoid mental and
physical disorders and relieves general practitioners and hospitals of some of their heavy burdens in dealing
with the sick.
The department's health education programme is based mainly on lectures illustrated by filmstrips
and films. To ensure that the rising generation gets the best possible training in health, special attention is
paid to health education in schools, linked as far as possible, with a hygiene or biology syllabus.
The Area Medical Officer's staff, the Chief Public Health Inspector's staff, and the Public Relations
Officer, gave talks in schools (Table 11). Brains trusts were held at the end of each term, which enabled
the children to ask questions which it had not been possible to answer adequately during the lectures. The
questions which they put to the panel at these brains trusts showed quite clearly that the children were interested
in the subject and that they had gained much useful knowledge of health matters.
At the health clinic mothercraft classes were held, and doctors, mid wives and nurses gave many
talks, some illustrated with filmstrips. These talks were most useful in helping mothers to care for themselves
and their babies. Health visitors also gave more specific individual health education in the mothers' homes
during their routine visits (Table 12). The Mothers' Club held at Stonebridge Health Clinic has been successful
and much appreciated.
It is pleasing to report that there was an increase in the number of lectures given to social, religious
and political organisations. 18 were given this year compared with 8 last year.
Unfortunately there was a decrease in the number of talks given to factory employees during lunchhour
breaks. This was due to two factors. Firstly, the attitude of many factory managements to talks has
changed during the last two or three years. Although they welcome a talk about subjects on which public
interest has been stimulated by press, radio and television, e.g. smallpox, smoking and lung cancer, they
are becoming reluctant to agree to talks on other subjects. Secondly, with re-arrangements of duties and
increase in work, it has not been possible to spare the staff for the intensive visiting and persuasion necessary
to keep the talks going.
The Chairman and members of the Home Safety Committee gave talks on accidents in the home
to religious and social organisations.