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A period of anxiety occurred also in January, over the prospect of an outbreak of
influenza coming to this country from the Continent of Europe, and special preparations
were made for the bacteriological investigation and isolation of any suspicious case, but
the Virus A severe type of influenza did not occur in any member of the public of Southall.
The number receiving vaccination against smallpox was slightly increased, but there
was a fall in the figures for immunisation against diphtheria and this is giving some concern
as the immunised state of the whole child population is falling to the danger level.
A record low death rate from tuberculosis and the lowest notification rate since 1942
are figures which give ground for some hope that this deadly and crippling disease is
diminishing. It was also interesting to find that the waiting list for sanatorium beds has
been obliterated, and that all persons in need of isolation and treatment for tuberculosis
can be found hospital accommodation and beds.
The research work carried out on tuberculosis prevention by B.C.G. injection has
come to an end, and to a satisfactory conclusion. There appears to be no doubt from the
findings that a measure of protection can be given by this method, and there will therefore
be an increase in the opportunities given to Southall residents and their children to obtain
this protection.
Progress has been made on the clearance of slums and the re-housing of their
occupants. An assessment of the whole problem was made and the report submitted to
the Minister as required by the Housing Repairs and Rents Act of 1954. Almost one-third
of the total number of slum dwellings were represented for demolition before the end of
the year.
A great deal of the time of the Sanitary Inspectors had to be taken up during 1955 with
observations on smoke pollution. The figures here deteriorated considerably during 1955,
and, with smoke and grit as potential causes of lung disease, it was necessary to take energetic
action in order to endeavour to improve pollution from particular sources.
Health education, or "advertising good health," is getting to be considered a more
and more important part of preventive medicine and, in addition to the normal publicity
used for this purpose, such as leaflets, posters, film slides and talks to individuals or to
meetings of voluntary associations, two particular meetings during the year for the general
public were arranged, one for a showing of public health films and one as a Health Forum
for the discussion of topics of health and hygiene.
I would like to acknowledge with gratitude the help given by the County Medical
Officer, the Area Medical Officer, the Medical Superintendent of St. Bernard's Hospital,
the Medical Superintendent of Hillingdon Hospital, the Physician of Uxbridge Chest
Clinic, the County Public Control Officer, the Medical Research Council, the Medical
Officers of Godalming, Sheffield and Westminster, Chief Officers of the Borough Council,
the Divisional Education Officer, the directors of many local organisations devoted to social
service, officers of the Fuel Research Station, and the general practitioners of Southall,
who have so kindly supplied information for use in the Report, and I should also like to
extend my sincere thanks to the Chief Sanitary Inspector and to all members of the
Departmental Staff in acknowledgement of their help in the preparation of this Report, and
for their loyal support at all times.
I am, your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.
Manor House, Southall.
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