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I have nothing serious to report. I could do with a great deal more information
as to the illnesses from which our people suffer and which are known only
to the general practitioners and the Ministry of National Insurance. However,
as far as I can tell the health of our people is pretty good. The services are
functioning efficiently; the attendances in the clinics are as high as ever ; I
think the public are more than ever conscious of the help they can obtain from
their health services and are using them without hesitation. It is gratifying
to me that this is so and that our work is appreciated. I hardly ever think
of the Borough and County services as being separate, so closely are they
integrated and so smoothly do they work in co-operation in the health department.
I am indebted to the heads of all sections of the work at Elmfield House,
and in particular of course to my deputy, Dr. Cormack, without whose loyal
help these results could not have been obtained. There are about 400 other
members of the staff in the Area and Borough health services. The excellence
of their work is a pleasure; I am grateful for that blessing.
I beg to acknowledge my indebtedness to the Chairman and Members
of the Public Health Committee for their helpfulness and support, which is
always of the greatest encouragement. I desire also to acknowledge with thanks
the friendly co-operation and help which I have always received from my
colleagues in the other departments of the Corporation and the other members
of the Council.
I am,
Madam Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN MADDISON,
Medical Officer of Health
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