London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Chigwell 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chigwell]
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SECTION 47, NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948 AND NATIONAL ASSISTANCE
(AMENDMENT) ACT, 1951 AND 1962
7 cases in possible need of care and attention were investigated
during the year and kept under observation with the services of the district
nurse, home help, meals-on-wheels, as necessary. Subsequently, 1 case was
admitted to hospital under the provision of the National Assistance (Amendment)
Act, 1951; 1 case was voluntarily removed to hospital.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF STAFF
In connection with their appointment for duties with this Council,
50 officers and staff completed Personal Report forms which were duly assessed;
16 received a medical examination. 5 employees were re-assessed and reported
on for sick-pay and superannuation purposes, following prolonged periods of
sick-leave or retirement. 2 employees were examined in connection with their
employment as heavy vehicle drivers.
RE-HOUSING PRIORITY ON MEDICAL GROUNDS
Each case was fully investigated and my recommendations were as follows:-
| Diseases or Conditions | Total Applicants | Priority Recommended | Priority Not recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asthma, bronchitis, catarrhal diseases etc. | 17 | 10 | 7 |
| Blood pressure | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Heart disease | 6 | 6 | - |
| Nervous disease (anxiety states, neurasthenia, neurosis etc.) | 45 | 20 | 25 |
| Rheumatism | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Tuberculosis | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Other diseases | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Other conditions | 29 | 11 | 18 |
| 117 | 56 | 61 |
The 61 applicants not recommended for medical priority include
(1) Illness not aggravated by housing conditions; (2) Temporary indispositions;
(3) Those pleading the discomforts of overcrowding and structural defects
(i.e. grounds other than medical); (4) Repeated requests already assessed.
As this report is being prepared, Mr. R. Roper completes a life-time of
service to Local Government on reaching the age of retirement, and is succeeded
as Chief Public Health Inspector by Mr. Peter Riley, who comes from a similar
post with Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council. All will wish Mr. Roper
good health and contentment in his retirement, and good fortune and fulfillment
to Mr. Riley in his new appointment.
Finally, I would again like to express my thanks to the Chairman and
Members of the Public Health Committee for their support, and to the staff of
the Department for their continued enthusiasm and loyalty. To all who have
provided me with statistical and other information for inclusion in this
report, my grateful acknowledgements are also made.
H. FRANKS,M.B.,B.S.,B.Hy.,D.P.H.
Medical Officer of Health
June, 1971.
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