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It is interesting to note, as a tragic corollary to the deaths
from bronchitis, that the year 1952 was particularly severe. This
was because that was the year in which "smog" was so prevalent,
and when a very great toll was taken among elderly people.
I have already remarked on the fact that the Wood Green
Public Health Department is extremely fortunate in its staff. I
am equally happy to repeat the statement which I made last year,
that our relations with the burgesses as a whole are extremely
pleasant. We have never abated our efforts to show that our one
aim is to help, that red tape and officialdom form no part of our
armament, or at least as small a part as is practicable, having
regard to control from above. The same remarks apply to the
relations between the Public Health Department and general
practitioners, which have been extremely cordial since I took up
my duties as Medical Officer of Health.
Finally, it is again worthy of mention that our relations
with the Middlesex County Council have been of the best, and have
permitted an integration of work which would otherwise have been
quite impossible.
In conclusion,I would express my most sincere thanks to the
Health and Cleansing, Committee and to the Borough Council for the
continued courtesy and assistance which I have come to expect as
Medical Officer of Health. I would also express ray grateful thanks
to every member of the Public Health Department, and in particular
to Dr. Janet Campbell,my Deputy, and to Mr. W. McCauley, my Chief
Public Health Inspector. It is truly a fortunate Medical Officer
of Health who knows that he has a loyal, conscientious and efficient
staff. That, I am very glad to say, has always been my own position.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
W. C. HARVEY,
Medical Officer of Health.
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