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4
Chiropody
This service continued to expand, but at a much slower
rate than previously, there being an increase of only 3.7 per
cent in the number of persons treated as compared with 1971. This
slower rate of expansion may have been affected by the resignation
of chiropodists and the consequent difficulty in covering planned
sessions.
Environmental Health
Despite very serious staff shortages throughout the year,
the Environmental Health Section under the leadership of the Chief
Public Health Inspector continued their efforts to improve the
environment, by careful watch on the handling of food, improvement
of housing conditions and by continuing the extension of clean air
zones.
Reorganisation in the Health Services
Preparations for this reorganisation are now under way.
This Borough is to be linked with Richmond upon Thames to form an
area health authority and a joint liaison committee consisting of
officers of the two boroughs, the hospital services and the executive
council and general practitioners, has been set up to collect and
collate information and be in a position to advise the shadow
authority to be set up after the necessary legislation has received
the Royal Assent, probably during the summer of 1973.
Despite the unsettling conditions prevailing, I congratulate
and thank all the staff for their efforts in maintaining and extending
the services.
I also acknowledge the help and co-operation of family
doctors, particularly in making the attachment of nursing staff a
success. I am indebted to the Town Clerk and fellow Chief Officers
for help received during the year. Finally, I thank the Health
Committee and Council for their continued interest and support.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
JOHN C. BIRCHALL
Medical Officer of Health