View report page

BOROUGH OF WILLESDEN
Health Department,
54, Winchester Avenue,
Kilburn, N.W.6.
August, 1964.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Borough of Willesden.
Madam Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
During the year 1964 the outlook of the Health Department was naturally coloured by the impending
and almost inevitable merger with Wembley to form the new London Borough, which at this time had not
yet received a name. Our intention was to advance as we had done in previous years, but at the same time,
as far as possible, to avoid action which would complicate the eventual merger of the two boroughs into
one. Staff also within the Department were concerned with, and perhaps apprehensive, of their future in
the new London Borough, and although working to capacity, nevertheless per force were compelled to accept
this added burden.
The environmental inspections continued at the same tempo as in previous years and a monumental
volume of work was undertaken in redevelopment areas and in an endeavour to improve the environmental
conditions of those in Willesden, subjected to adverse influences.
Fortunately, during the year the Borough was spared any incidence of serious infection and, whilst
the Inspectorate were concerned in visiting and advising those who unfortunately suffered from an infectious
disease and those who were in contact with such cases, the incidence did not call for additional staff to be
allocated to this work.
The old persons' welfare activities continued in the Borough and the Old Persons' Clinic was a
nucleus around which our senior citizens could make application for medical examination and supplementary
foodstuffs if need be. There is no doubt that the issue of accessory foods similar to Complan, improve
the nutrition of many aged who are on marginal diets, either through disinterest or inattention to their food
intake. The clubs and outings organised by the Old People's Welfare Committee were therapeutic and helpful
to many in need. Chiropody provisions by the local health authority and the Old Folks' Association extended
in scope as far as professional personnel could be engaged to cope with this service.
The personal health services were closely associated with the Borough Department during the year
and opportunities were taken to acquaint various members of the staff with colleagues with whom they
would be working in the new Borough, in order to facilitate exchange of information in the future.
The School Health Service continued under the direction of the Divisional Executive and health
education in schools became an increasingly important feature of the activities.
The tripartite nature of the service where function is spread between the hospital, the practitioner
and the health authority, necessitated continuous co-operation and continuous "give and take" in administration
to ensure that the services operated to the best advantage of the consumer.
This is the last Report which a Medical Officer of Health will make to the Council of the Borough
of Willesden and I take the opportunity to express to all members my deep appreciation of their encouragement
and support which have been helpful to all staff of the Department during the year. As the Report
is a final one I also take the opportunity of expressing thanks of my predecessors in office, both with the
Urban District Council and with the Borough.
I have the honour to be, Madam Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
E. GRUNDY,
Medical Officer of Health.