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The number of cases on the register at the end of the year
was 600 as set out in the table on page 35.
Our scheme for the B.C.G vaccination of school children
continues and is working extremely well. This work is undertaken
by the School Health Service.
As I have already stated, the infectious diseases picture
in Wood Green for 1960 makes very pleasant reading. The fact that
more than 90% of our children have been vaccinated or immunised,
either against poliomyelitis or by the triple antigen (diphtheria,
pertussis and tetanus) must have made a considerable contribution
towards this excellent result. This, as I have pointed out on
numerous occasions is an excellent example of the value of cooperation
between the Borough of Wood Green, the local authority,
and the Middlesex County Council, the local health authority.
The Middlesex County Council is responsible for vaccination and
immunisation,as an integral part of the personal health services.
On the other hand, the Borough has made a particularly valuable
contribution in helping the County Council to display posters,
distribute literature, etc. As the Council will be aware, the
articles which I contribute to the local papers are written as
Medical Officer of Health, since I have always felt that my
approach as Medical Officer of Health should be much more potent
than any approach I can make as Area Medical Officer. In addition
- and here I believe we are in many ways unique - a letter is
addressed to every parent at least once a year, on the value of
immunisation and vaccination, so that no parent can remain unaware
of the advantages which vaccination and immunisation confer upon
their children. We consider this personal approach particularly
valuable, and are of opinion that, very largely by this means, we
can claim the results achieved.
Mass Radiography
During September Mass Radiography Unit 6A again visited Wood
Green after an interval of two years. Although the number of
public sessions had to be reduced, the total figure was, I am
pleased to say, almost as high - 3,603 as compared with 3,684 in
1958. Leaflets were prepared by the Unit giving details of the
public sessions. These were distributed through the usual
channels. The utmost publicity was given by the display of
banners, newspaper advertisements, posters and leaflets.
Facilities were again offered by the Wood Green Horticultural
Society at their Annual Show. The Unit was sited in the Show
Grounds for two days where 347 people took advantage of this
opportunity. Several hundreds of inflated balloons bearing an
appropriate slogan were distributed to children.
This year, for the first time, the Unit spent two days in
the car park at Durnsford Road Swimming Pool where a further 479
people came for an X-ray.
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