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9
istration will be the concern of the Ilford Area Health Sub-Committee,
each Area will be responsible for the professional staffing of clinics held
for the benefit of its own inhabitants. It is hoped that building operations
will shortly commence and pending the completion of the Centre, there is
a project to establish a temporary Centre in two houses on the L.C.C. Estate.
So far as the Hospitals are concerned, the Isolation Hospital, the
Maternity Hospital and Wilnett Lodge passed from the control of the
Council to that of the North East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board
on 5th July, 1948. For a period of nine months, the Borough Council
agreed to continue certain services (supplies, maintenance of premises and
plant, accounting, certain legal work and estate management) on an agency
basis.
The Hospitals are now under the local control of the Hospital Management
Committee Group 12 (Ilford and Barking) which comprises the King
George Hospital, Ilford; Ilford Isolation Hospital; Ilford Maternity Hospital
and Wilnett Lodge; Barking Upney Isolation Hospital; Upney Maternity
Hospital; Ilford Tuberculosis Dispensary and Dagenham Sanatorium, a total
of 713 beds.
The future of the local Health Services will be largely governed by
the effects of the National Health Service Act, 1946.
Preventive medicine cannot be dramatic in its results. Its policy,
though important and far reaching, is essentially long-term and unspectacular.
Its effects are frequently not evident for many years—often for generations.
The benefits which we are now reaping and which are evidenced in this
report are the fruits of the labours of our forbears. Time alone will
show whether the Public Health Services, as modified by recent legislation,
will maintain or improve the achievements of the past.
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. It is most pleasing to note that they are
continuing their voluntary duties at the Infant Welfare Centres with unabated
enthusiasm and undiminished effort despite the legislative and administrative
changes which have taken place.
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.