View report page

Infectious Disease and Food Poisoning
Incidence of infectious disease was low. There were two cases of
poliomyelitis. The first to be notified was a male adult of 28 years
occupying half-way house accommodation maintained by another
authority. It was considered that he had become infected prior to
residing in the Borough. The other case was an infant of 14 months in
which a complete recovery took place. As far as could be ascertained
neither patient had been immunised.
Following a heavy incidence of measles in 1959 the rate for 1960
was low, only 35 cases being notified. There were 18 cases of scarlet
fever (48 in 1959).
An outbreak of sonne dysentery occurred in Dr. Barnardo's Homes
in the latter part of the year, 8 cases being notified. all mild in
character. The incidence of this infection was carried over into the
present year when 42 further cases were reported.
National Assistance Act. Compulsory Removal to Hospital
For the second time on record it was necessary to make application
to a Justice of the Peace under Section 47 of the National Assistance
Act for the compulsory removal to hospital of an elderly person in
need of care and attention and who refused to enter hospital
voluntarily. The woman concerned, aged about 85, was living alone
in a large house in conditions of indescribable filth. Every effort had
been made to persuade her to accept help without avail. She was
removed forcibly bv ambulance and, having been admitted to hospital,
subsequently agreed to remain.
Clean Air Act, 1956
There is little doubt that the implementation of this Act, particularly
in respect of Smoke Control Areas, hps had a greater effect on
the work of my Department than any other legislation in recent years.
Visits have been made by the Public Health Inspectors to houses in
the areas and will eventually be made to all houses in the borough.
Therefore, a large section of the inhabitants who previously had little
or no contact with the local authority find themselves involved in
filling in forms and negotiations. From a local authority point of view
this is obviously a public relations matter of the first importance. and
I am happy to report that the procedure, whilst of necessity somewhat
complicated, has generally worked smoothly.
In the original programme the date of operation of the No. 1 Area
was 1st October, 1960, but as a result of a Public Inquiry and delay
in confirmation, the area now comes into operation on 1st October,
1961. The No. 2 Area has since been confirmed and comes into operation
on the same date, the proposed date in the ten-year programme.
2