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The smallpox vaccination rate in llford, although one of the highest
in Essex, is still too low and it was decided to institute such vaccination
in one of our infant welfare centres. Hitherto this work has been done
entirely by general practitioners, and in order not to offend them the llford
Medical Society and the 15 doctors practising in the vicinity of the clinic
were approached to find out if there was any objection. This example of
public relations proved successful; only one of the fifteen doctors objected,
and the Medical Society did not oppose. Had this been done without consultation,
I am sure the reaction would have been far different
An indication of our changed relationships with local doctors is given
by two figures—the drop in attendances at minor ailment clinics from 1,597
to 1,292 (they now attend their own doctors) and the rise in number of
articles laundered for the incontinent chronic sick from 3,570 to 6,734
(here we help the family doctor treat cases at home).
Hazards of Radioactivity.
This is one of the most important problems facing us today, and the
Medical Officer of Health has to keep watch in his own sphere as over
any other danger that may influence the health of the community he serves.
Many industries use radioactive substances and dispose of radioactive
matter, and although not strictly within my province, a survey was made
of the main llford factories to find out if such a hazard exists. We found
only one factory using radioactive substances, and of this case we have
been aware for some years, and knew that conditions of safety there were
excellent and that the relevant Home Office Inspector maintained a careful
supervision of the personnel and processes involved.
A chiropodist, who is licensed to practise by the llford Borough
Council, asked if he could use a certain ointment, stated to have beneficial
radioactive properties, in his practice. After consultation with national
authorities on this matter, it was decided to recommend that the substance
should not be used, for if it contained any substantial radioactivity it was
dangerous, and if it did not it was useless and fraudulent.
Following the publication by the Medical Research Council of "The
Hazards to Man of Nuclear and Allied Radiations" it has been decided
to inform all llford boot and shoe retailers of the dubious value and
possible hazards of routine examination of the feet by X-rays in retail
establishments. It is only possible at the moment to advise, as no legislation
for supervising the practice exists.
Danger—Contaminated Food.
An interesting, and at times exciting, part of our work is the investigation
of outbreaks of food poisoning: the solving of the problem of source
of infection would tax at times the most capable detective from Scotland
Yard. There was "The Case of the Mustard and Cress Sandwiches," where
teachers and pupils in a local school fell ill, and all had partaken of
mustard and cress grown in the class-room. We proved that the mustard
and cress was the source of infection, but will never know how it became
infected.
In a local hospital certain patients became ill in "The Case of the
Missing Peas " and the only possible source of infection was tinned peas.
They remembered eating them, the ward staff remembered giving it to
them, but the kitchen and catering staff were adamant that peas had
never been issued on that day.
We had more success with a small outbreak of a mild form of enteric
due to an organism called paratyphoid B. It started, to our great anxiety,
in a young man who was a pastry cook in a local bakery. When further
cases occurred it became evident that all had partaken of artificial cream
in cakes prepared on Friday the Thirteenth in another bakery, not in
llford. "Serve him right." said the boy's llford employer. The Medical
Officer of Health of the area where the bakery was situated managed to
collect 43 cases in this part of Greater London who had been similarly