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HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
ELMFIELD HOUSE,
HIGH STREET,
TEDDINGTON,
MIDDLESEX.
July, 1971.
To: The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report for 1970.
The techniques of medicine have now achieved a high degree of sophistication
and expertise with resultant benefits to mankind. The practice of medicine is a highly
respected paradox in that a skilful scientific discipline is pursued as an art moulded by
humanity, humility and compassion. Medicine is involved in the causation, identification
and treatment of disease and disability. The latter in a limited concept is considered
by some to involve either surgical intervention or the prescribing of 'pills and potions'.
Medicine concerned with the disharmony in society is a social science in its own right,
although the ensuing therapy may have to be on a purely social basis. This therapy
may be administered not by medical men alone, but also by others, e.g. engineers, architects,
lawyers, educationists and social workers. Medicine is involved in the writing
of the social prescription, but medical men do not necessarily dispense this prescription.
Medicine in partnership with other disciplines aims to eradicate social disharmonies.
Two enactments were placed on the statute book during the year which bring
into sharp relief this social prescription and dispensing concept. Both the Local Auth'
ority Social Services Act 1970 and the Education (Handicapped Children) Act 1970
became operative on appointed days in 1971. Thus a statutory interface has been
created between the health and social welfare services. Some prescriptions for social
therapy are dispensed by teams under medical direction, while others are dispensed by
teams under non-medical direction but, it is hoped, with medical advice. Debate
surrounds the argument where the dividing line between these teams should be. In
practice the essential aim and object of any health service is the welfare of the patient.
My own view is that there is no true division between health and social services
since an individual in need of help cannot determine what service he or she needs.
There must be a mutually respected partnership, so that a team approach of different
skill and disciplines is achieved.
Three units became operational during the year:—
1. The Strathmore Junior Training School opened its doors at the beginning of the
autumn term. This school is a credit to the Borough in its provision for the mentally
handicapped.
It is to be hoped the educational and social benefit to the pupils, the allaying of
parental anxiety and concern, and the pride of the Authority will stand as a lasting
tribute to all those involved in its creation.
2. Hostel for the Adult Mentally Handicapped, Rosslyn Road, Twickenham opened
in September, 1970.
3. Day Clinic for the Elderly, Teddington.
If older people cannot get out of their homes on account of crippled feet, arthritis
of the lower limbs, or cardiac and respiratory embarrassment, then loneliness can
supervene. Social contact with the community outside is lost, and the insidious
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