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The General Dental Service, one of the few in the country,
has continued despite the difficulties of staffing. This Service is
quite unable to cope with the demand made upon it. There was a
large increase in the number of orthodontic appliances made in the
dental laboratory.
With regard to the services transferred to the County Council,
there was participation in the Ministry of Health enquiry into virus
infections during pregnancy.
An increased number of visits was paid by health visitors and
treatments given by the home nurses. Domiciliary maternity book'
ings tended to increase at the expense of midwifery bookings.
There was a disquieting decrease in diphtheria immunisation, but
good progress in immunisation against whooping cough. Vaccination
against smallpox continued at what can only be regarded as
a dangerously low level. The removal of "compulsion" has in no
way stimulated a greater acceptance of vaccination. All known
surviving cases of poliomyelitis were followed up and every possible
assistance was given to those handicapped by their attack.
The prevention, care, and after care of tuberculosis is fully
discussed.
The review of the scheme of delegation of Part III services
has not yet taken place, and further experience confirms that the
only satisfactory solution would be the achievement of County
Borough status.
Once more I have to record my appreciation of the help and
understanding received from members of the committees concerned,
and in particular from their Chairman, Alderman Lady McEntee,
J.P. The staff of the Department have worked loyally and con
scientiously, and the report is a record of their achievement.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
A. T. W. POWELL,
Medical Officer of Health.