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9
transferred" medical, administrative and clerical officers, in addition to the
full-time stall of the Hospitals who are automatically transferred to the service
of the Regional Hospital Board.
Here again work at the executive level continues unchanged except for
some administrative additions. Administrative procedures are more involved
and representation of the Borough Council is greatly reduced. A Hospital
Management Committee of 20 members controls the hospitals of Group 12
(Ilford and Barking) which comprises the King George Hospital, Ilford ; Ilford
Isolation Hospital; Ilford Council Maternity Home and Wilnett Lodge;
Barking Upney Isolation Hospital; Upney Maternity Home; Ilford Tuberculosis
Dispensary and Dagenham Sanatorium, a total of 713 beds.
So far as the general future of Public Health Services is concerned, there is
no need for despondency or pessimism. Although Local Authorities such as Ilford
have lost direct control of Part III and Hospital Services, much remains to be
done in the field of Public Health. In addition to their operation of health services
under the the aegis of the Major Authorities there still remain to them
many problems of environmental hygiene. Much can be done in the direction of
improving the social and economic background of the family. In this, health
education in its many and varied aspects, can play a significant part and there
is ample scope for endeavour in this field of activity. There are many problems
of epidemiology as yet unsolved, and there is ample scope for work in this
direction. Among the many problems still confronting the public health
authorities may be mentioned industrial and office hygiene, eugenics, rehabilitation
and after-care, and gerontology. The problems of the causation of
congenital defects and mental deficiency, the question of physical education
and rehabilitation, and education in the prevention of contamination of food
and drink, in marriage hygiene, sex problems and in mothercraft, should
alone provide ample scope for the energies of all those concerned.
I would place on record my appreciation of the work performed and the
loyal support which has been accorded to me by members of all sections of
the Public Health Department during the year. I would also mention the
kind co-operation and assistance received from the officers and members of
other Departments of the Corporation. To them, and to the voluntary workers
who have assisted in the work of the various Clinics, I express my sincere
gratitude.
I am happy to record that the Ilford Federation of Voluntary Workers
have been given two places on the Area Sub-Committee. It is pleasing that
their valuable work, so efficiently carried out over the past 35 years, has
been thus recognised, and it is hoped that they will be willing to continue
their assistance at the Welfare Centres and that the operation of the National
Health Service Act will in no way interfere with, or diminish their efforts.
To the members of the Council generally, and particularly to the Chairmen,
Vice-Chairmen, and members of the various Committees with which
the work of the Department is specially concerned, may I offer my grateful
thanks for their co-operation and support throughout the year.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
J. H. WEIR,
Medical Officer of Health.