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
Richmond upon Thames 1969
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]
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etc., enables them to have the treatment which is considered to be so vital if they are
to continue to remain ambulant.
I would like to record my appreciation of the co-operation I have received from the
chiropodists serving the Borough during the year, and also to the British Red Cross
Society for their valuable contribution. The majority of persons previously treated by
voluntary societies have now been transferred to the surgeries of private chiropodists.
During the year arrangements were made for 82 persons to be admitted to recuperative holiday homes. Cases referred and the origin of referral are shown below:
| Family Doctor referrals. | Hospital referrals. | |
|---|---|---|
| Elderly Persons | 27 | 16 |
| Adults | 14 | 11 |
| Mothers accompanied by children | ||
| Mothers | 5 | |
| Children | 9 | |
Subsequently the arrangements for nine elderly persons, twelve adults and eight
children were cancelled.
One family was sent in collaboration with the Children's Department.
HEALTH EDUCATION.
The departmental Health Education Sub-Committee, comprising senior officers of
the department, has again extended its activities during 1969.
The monthly poster campaigns were continued and subjects covered were as follows:—
| January | Poisons |
| February | Coughs and Colds |
| March | Smoking |
| April | Dental Health |
| May | Feet and Shoes |
| June | Mental Health |
| July | Holiday Safety |
| August | Food Hygiene |
| September | Children's Clothes |
| October | Fireworks |
| November | Toys |
| December | Home Safety |
Some subjects were dealt with more extensively; i.e.:—
Poisons
The department co-operated with the Borough Safety Officer, the Pharmaceutical
Society of Great Britain, the Thames Valley Pharmacists' Association, and the National
Pharmaceutical Union in organising a collection of unwanted medicines from the public.
This was part of an, attempt, including publicity, to educate people on the dangers of
hoarding medicines and tablets.
The photograph on page 42 shows Mr. J. Dennett, Borough Safety Officer, with
a group of children attempting to open the 'Palm-N-Turn' pill container. In spite of
biting, banging and other apparent methods of destruction, the children were unsuccessful
in opening it.
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