View report page

An increasingly ageing population creates the need to provide
suitable accommodation for the fit, the frail, and the sick in need
of constant care. Liaison will be necessary between hospital boards,
local authorities and voluntary agencies to bridge the gap between
life in the community and 'living-in care', by the provision of
graduated accommodation house - halfway house - hospital. The
greater number reaching pensionable age, and the deferment of senility,
requires schemes of work for the elderly who often can contribute to
the economic wealth of the community as well as maintain their own
wellbeing by undertaking work adjusted to their capabilities.
An interesting project, discussed in the report, was begun during
the year at St.Clement's Hospital to provide for the needs of aged
persons with psychiatric infirmities. This forms part of a new
approach to 'Mental Health' problems which are being tackled by less
institutional and more community care. However, if this emphasis on
the desirability of community care for all persons, whatever their
disability, is to flourish,proper planning to utilise the services of
the existing small number of socio-medical workers is required. In
this respect, the services of the two visitors of the Council are
fully utilised. If community care expands, as is forecast, most of
us will be able to live out our lives with greater happiness in the
community at less cost to the nation than for institutional care.
Stepney is a microcosm of society in that despite increasing
affluence, the moral and social hygiene of a small part of the community
shows no improvement. Juvenile delinquency in the borough
continues to increase. Vice and undesirable practices exist in
certain areas to which undue national publicity has been given and
from which no positive measures to ameliorate the conditions have
arisen. Moral welfare agencies, Church groups and statutory bodies
endeavour to combat ignorance, apathy and the alien cultural values
of some immigrant sections of the community. Knowledge of the
causes of the decline in certain "twilight" areas in the borough
might aid in a reasoned approach to plan their restoration. Planned
area development, and studies of social needs will be required to
knit a cosmopolitan community into an integrated society.
In conclusion, I record my gratitude to the Chairmen and members
of Committees for their support. The help and co-operation of the
Town Clerk and other Chief Officers of the Council and their staff
are greatly appreciated. To all the staff of the Public Health
Department I extend thanks for their continued interest in the
efficient running of the Department during a time of change.
I have the honour to be,
Your Worship, Ladies & Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
R. W. WATTON,
Miedical Officer of Health.
April, 1962. 4