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In practice, every effort is made to solve the problem by using the
home help service, the home nursing service and the help provided by
voluntary bodies, etc. and only invoking action under the Acts as a last
resort when everything else has failed.
It was not found necessary to take action under this Section of the Act
during the year.
Medical Arrangements for Long-Stay Immigrants
Long stay immigrants are often very unfamiliar with our customs and,
in particular, ignorant of the scope and arrangements of the National
Health Service. Accordingly at ports of arrival they are given a hand-out
printed in languages which they are likely to understand, the aim of which
is to encourage them to get on to the list of a medical practitioner in their
place of residence. Destination addresses are also forwarded to the health
department so that they can be visited to try and persuade them to act on
the advice given in the pamphlet. Special emphasis is placed in trying to
secure a chest X-Ray as soon as possible after their arrival in this country.
This is particularly so from those whose country of origin has a high
incidence of tuberculosis. Details of immigrant families with children
are particularly noted so that a health visitor can call and advise.
Country where Passport issued Number of Immigrants
Commonwealth Countries:
Caribbean 8
India 52
Pakistan 24
Other Asian 4
African 168
Other 28
Non Commonweath Countries :
European 22
Other 52
Total 358
All addresses were visited and in 43 cases no knowledge of immigrants
was known.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
An occupational health service offers the benefits of medical advice
to employer and employee alike both before and during the latter's term
of contract.