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8
has as its object the promotion of efficiency and the prevention of
overlapping in their respective activities.
Plans to implement the requirements of the Education Act,
1944, are well advanced and measures calling for joint action with
neighbouring authorities are receiving urgent consideration.
It is anticipated that by this means, provision for the reception
of individuals in the various categories of handicapped pupils will be
more readily forthcoming and that such facilities will attain a high
standard of day or residential accommodation.
In regard to housing, much assistance has been rendered in
assessing priority on health grounds and has entailed considerable
investigation and correspondence.
The day nurseries continue to function satisfactorily. The demand
for accommodation at each of the centres greatly exceeds the number
of places, with the inevitable result—a long waiting list.
Additional sessions have been instituted at the Chest Clinic to
deal particularly with the constantly increasing number of artificial
pneumothorax cases discharged from the sanatorium. Arrangements
recently completed with the North Middlesex Hospital for surgical
intervention in tuberculosis have proved of exceptional value to the
patient and have expedited such treatment.
The shortage of nursing staff has occasioned much anxiety at
Harts Sanatorium and the Infectious Diseases Hospital, and, at times,
in the case of the former, necessitated beds being put out of commission
temporarily.
It should be noted that every possible consideration is given by
the appropriate committee in the matter of rehousing of sufferers
from tuberculosis.
In conclusion, I respectfully submit that despite the influx of
population, the shattered condition and overcrowding of many houses,
and the prolongation of food rationing, a combination of factors
calculated to foster disease and illness, the vital statistics of the
borough more than indicate the adequacy of the health services.
I wish to express to you, Mr. Mayor, to the Chairman of the
Health Committee, and to all who have contributed to this end, my
grateful thanks for your continued help and support.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Malcolm Barker,
Medical Officer of Health.