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the Wanstead and Woodford Old Peoples Welfare Association. It is
a matter of regret that, despite repeated requests from Local Health
Authorities and representations in Parliament, the Minister of
Health cannot see his way to make financial provision for the extension
of chiropody services. The aged among the population are
increasing and, if incapacitated by conditions affecting the feet,
soon become immobilised and consequently are a burden on the
Welfare and hospital services.
Slum Clearance.
In the section of this report which is written by the Chief
Sanitary Inspector, details of progress made in slum clearance are
given. 51 houses were included in clearance areas which have subsequently
been confirmed by the Minister. In addition two houses
found unfit for habitation have been demolished. Members of the
Public Health Committee have given much time to this subject and
the results achieved are most gratifying.
Clean Food Campaign.
The attention of the District Sanitary Inspectors has again been
focussed on retail food shops and catering establishments. During
routine visits the Inspector sees the person responsible for the
premises and also the individual food handler. Thus he is able to
Point out what he finds to be wrong and explain to those responsible
exactly why it is wrong. This must be regarded as the most important
method of educating the food handler. In addition, however,
it was felt that if a broader knowledge of food hygiene could be
achieved, results would be justified. With this aim in view retailers
and caterers were approached with the request that they should
allow their employees to attend lecture demonstrations during
Working hours. Details of the scheme are given in the appropriate
section of this Report.
Many cases of food poisoning are of short and sharp duration,
and the notifications under this heading (17) do not give a true
Picture of the situation, as often a doctor is not consulted. Each
notified case is visited by the District Sanitary Inspector, but frequently,
by the time of his arrival, symptoms have abated and no
material is available for bacteriological examination. Often the
food suspected has been eaten in restaurants or canteens outside
the Borough. The remedy is largely in the hands of the public who
should refuse to patronise dirty catering establishments or to accept
cooked food, e.g., meat, which is known to have been touched by
hand. The importance of thorough hand washing before the preparation
or handling of food, and after using the lavatory, cannot be
too. strongly emphasised.
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