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Vaccination against smallpox received a sharp stimulus follow'
ing a case of notified smallpox. The need for adequate protection
against smallpox should constantly be borne in mind in view of the
repeated importation from abroad of virulent smallpox.
Progress in regard to immunisation against diphtheria was
maintained but still falls short of the target of 75% of infants to
be immunised before reaching the age of one year. Parental
demand is rather greater during the first year of life for immunisation
against whooping cough, the percentages being 63 against 55
for diphtheria.
Good progress was made with vaccination against poliomyelitis
and 2,413 cases were completed during 1957. More could have
been achieved if supplies of vaccine had been adequate.
"B.C.G." vaccination continued and 1,026 school leavers were
protected. The follow-up scheme of the B.C.G. trials under the
Medical Research Council continued.
For the third year in succession, there was an increase in the
number of new cases of tuberculosis notified, and Dr. Ramsay
draws attention to the increased work of the Chest Clinic which
results from reduced mortality as a result of modern treatment and
the attention now given to chest diseases generally. In fact the
number of cases of lung cancer discovered at the Chest Clinic was
more than half the new cases of tuberculosis.
At the chiropody clinics there were 4,078 male attendances as
compared with 14,670 female attendances, largely the result of
unsuitable footwear used by females, especially during adolescent
and young adult life.
The health visiting, home nursing and domestic help services
are reported upon by the sectional heads and all continued to
alleviate the suffering and hardship of the elderly sick and to postpone
the time when institutional admission becomes a necessity.
Once again I have great pleasure in commenting on the good
work of the staff of the Department, the consideration of the
Committees concerned, and in particular of your Chairman,
Councillor Mrs. Palethorpe. Co-operation has again been received
from all the organisations and agencies in the Borough which are
charged with the health and well-being of the community, and not
least from Family Doctors.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
A. T. W. POWELL,
Medical Officer of Health.