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WANSTEAD AND WOODFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
To the mayor, the aldermen and councillors,
borough of wanstead and woodford.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report as Medical Officer of
health for the year 1948.
The event of major importance during the year was the coming into
force of the National Health Service Act.
The inauguration of the National Health Service Act on 5th July
meant that the Borough was no longer its own Maternity and Child Welfare
authority, a privilege which had been enjoyed for many years. On this
date the administration of Maternity and Child Welfare functions was
transferred to the Essex County Council.
For the purpose of the day-to-day administration of these functions
the County Council has been divided into eleven areas, each area having
a sub-committee of the County Health Committee. The Borough of Wanstead
and Woodfoi'd forms part of the Forest Area which comprises
chingford Borough, Wanstead and Woodford Borough, Chigwell, Epping
and Waltham Holy Cross Urban Districts and Epping Rural District.
The Sub-Committee of the County Health Committee for the Forest
Area is formed as follows:—
Seven members nominated by the Essex County Council.
Four members nominated by the Wanstead and Woodford
Borough Council.
Three members each nominated by the Chingford Borough, and
Chigwell Urban District Councils.
Two members each nominated by the Epping and Waltham Holy
Cross Urban District Councils and the Epping Rural District
Council.
One member each nominated by the Hospital Management Committee,
the Essex Executive Council (general practitioner
services) and the Local Medical Committee.
Four members nominated by Voluntary Organizations, making
a total of thirty in all.
We are fortunate that the present Chairman of this Committee was
previously Chairman of our Maternity and Child Welfare Committee. I
myself have been delegated by the County Medical Officer of Health to act
in the capacity of Area Medical Officer for the Forest Area. By these
means,as far as the Borough is concerned, a continuity in the administration
of maternity and Child Welfare services has. been effected.
Under the section of the report devoted to Maternity and Child Welfare
it is gratifying to note that the number of visits paid to homes by Health
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