View report page

The Public Health Inspectorate have paid increasing attention
to the inspection and supervision of food, especially in regard to
cooked meats, about one-fifth of which showed considerable
contamination; even so, there was a marked improvement when
compared with 1955.
With regard to infectious disease, there has been no confirmed
case of diphtheria since January, 1950, but the need still remains
for immunisation before the first birthday and for booster doses
before school entry. An average number of cases of poliomyelitis
were notified and confirmed, and fortunately there was only slight
residual paralysis in one case. Five cases of paratyphoid were
associated with cream-filled cakes and again with imported egg
products. These cases were part of a larger outbreak affecting the
eastern part of Greater London.
There were two considerable epidemics of food poisoning due
to Clostridium welchii. Dr. Betty Hobbs made a close study of
one outbreak and made recommendations. The whole of the
"field" investigations in regard to cases of food poisoning were
made by the Public Health Inspectorate.
Reference is made to the risk attending on the use of imported
egg products, especially Chinese, and the action taken.
Although 10 more cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were
notified in 1956, the total of 71 compares very favourably with
that of 159 in 1930.
Reference is made to old people's welfare, the increasing need
for accommodation for the aged and chronic sick, and for domiciliary
chiropody for the elderly housebound. The laundry service
for the incontinent continued to serve a real need.
The year was one of excessive rainstorms with consequential
flooding. The action proposed is described by the Borough
Engineer.
With regard to the Personal Health Services administered by
the Walthamstow Health Area Sub-Committee, the following are
the matters for comment:—
Mr. L. W. Elmer, L.D.S., Senior Dental Surgeon, retired after
24 years fine service in Walthamstow, but fortunately he remains
to undertake sessions in the General Dental Service. In his report
Mr. Elmer states that of some 200 expectant mothers referred for
examination and treatment, only one needed complete artificial
dentures and only seven needed partial dentures. A marked change
from recent years when the majority referred from Welfare
Centres required full dentures.
Dr. Gillespie in her report on child guidance of pre-school
children stresses the need for advice and treatment at the earliest
possible age.