View report page

3.
overtime work in the evenings with regard to ice cream vendors, hut has
removed the many complaints hitherto received.
The Social Welfare Services continued to widen their circle of activities
as shown on pages 20 - 22, and, as with details of sanitary circumstances,
cover too widespread a field to detail here. Suffice it to say that despite
difficulties, they are still proving their worth.
When I first came to work in Shoreditch, all difficult superannuation
examinations were sent to Dr. Kenneth Harris of Harley St., and this
continued most amicably until the Council decided that I could perform this
function in 1961. This I am pleased to do, though at times it is an invidious
task while working in the midst of the "victim's" friends. Similarly,
superannuation examinations for manual staff were formerly done by Dr. Taylor
of City Road, and these I now do. The new function of medical referee for
judging those worthy of exemption from parking-meter fees naturally falls to
me, so that the Council now have all their medical matters dealt with by the one
person - which may or may not be wise.
It is now five years since my research into causes of coronary
thrombosis began (choosing only those certified by the Coroner), and I feel
that the remarks made last year in this report remain as near the truth as
anyone has yet attained. It is only just over one year ago since I initiated
my research into cancer of the lung, and although I have the same number of
records already as for coronary thrombosis, the only firm conclusion seems
to be that every one smoked cigarettes until a year or so before death,
though some ceased latterly. The method or type smoked covered every range
of possibility, and there was certainly no evidence of any other physical
cause found. I would like to thank all the relatives who have helped me so
willingly during their period of trouble, and to let them know how much I
appreciate their assistance.
To conclude, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank all
of you with whom the department has had contact, for your courtesy and cooperation,
and would wish especially to thank every member of the department
for his or her intense loyalty and help given to me.
Yours faithfully,
B. BROADBENT.
Medical Officer of Health.
Shoreditch Town Hall,
Old Street, E.C.I.
SH0reditch 7600.