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9
expected towards the end of 1967. In addition, plans were finalised for
three other projects—the Adult Training Centre, the Day Centre for
younger mentally ill and the Assessment Unit for Pre-School Children at
the Junior Training School and it is hoped that a start may be made on
these projects in 1967.
The general trend during the year was one of inauguration, expansion
and improvement in services to the public. A cervical cytology clinic was
opened at the Caryl Thomas Clinic, a new social club for the handicapped
was started at the Presbyterian Church Hall, Station Road, Harrow,
chiropody sessions for the elderly were increased and arrangements made
for the Family Planning Association to move from their rather cramped
quarters at Elmwood Avenue Clinic to the more spacious and better
situated Caryl Thomas Clinic in Headstone Drive.
Progress was made under the Clean Air Acts during the year when
Smoke Control Orders No. 10 and 11 became effective in July and
December respectively and in addition the Minister of Housing and Local
Government confirmed Orders No. 12 and 13 to come into operation in
1967.
A varied programme of health education topics was conducted
throughout the year. The personnel of all sections collaborated with the
Health Education Officer on projects both of a general nature and others
designed for specific groups. More details are given in the main report
but mention must be made here of two outstandingly successful projects,
viz. the Mental Health Week held in June and the pilot Dental Health
Exhibition for schools run for two weeks in November. The interest
shown as a result of these two projects was more than rewarding and
thanks and congratulations are due to all concerned with their promotion.
With the introduction of many new staff into the Health, Welfare
and Children's Department during the year, it was considered that
arrangements should be made to start training staff by organising an
in-service training course which could be attended by members from all
sections of the Department. The Establishment Committee readily agreed
and a start was made in October 1966 with the preliminary course initially
consisting of two ten-week terms. Senior staff of the Mental Health
Section readily agreed to give lectures which were supplemented by outside
lecturers and also by the showing of specialised films. The course
proved very popular with about 50-60 members of staff attending.
Consideration of the infectious diseases notified during the year
reveals three main points of interest. Eleven cases of enteric fever occurred
and from the investigations carried out by the Department in collaboration
with the Public Health Laboratory, the infection in all cases was
obviously acquired abroad. Secondly there was a slight rise from 20 to
28 in the number of cases of whooping cough notified. Diagnosis of this
condition is usually on clinical grounds and few are confirmed by laboratory
investigation. Cases occurred in previously immunised children and