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HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
ELMFIELD HOUSE,
HIGH STREET,
TEDDINGTON,
MIDDLESEX.
TW11 8EJ.
July, 1972.
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 1971.
Two enactments which became operative during the year were the Local Authority
Social Services Act, 1970 and the Education (Handicapped Children) Act, 1970. As I
indicated in my report for 1970, a statutory interface has been created between health
and the social welfare services. At first sight it might be assumed that the health department
has been relieved of many tasks. In reality the socio-medical aspects in relation to
individual patients have become more complex. In former times the medical recommendations
and administrative acts therefrom were combined in one team of professional
officers. During 1971 while the socio-medical facets have remained and expanded within
the health department, the administrative acts are dependent on the close collaboration
with colleagues in other departments. I must acknowledge the close co-operation which
has taken place at all levels with the new evolving Social Services Department. This
close working between professional colleagues is welcome and long may it continue for
the benefit of the patient. However, the fact that administrative packages have been
created does give rise to the possibility and risk of the vulnerable individuals falling
between the packages and receiving no care at all.
It follows that apparent overlap, which may not appeal to the bureaucratically tidy,
does ensure that the patient receives the support which is so necessary for his welfare in
the broadest sense of the word.
During the year the Secretary of State for Health and Social Services issued his
Consultative Document pertaining to a reorganized National Health Service, whereby
local health services will merge with the hospital and family doctor facilities within one
comprehensive service. It behoves us all to ensure in any future arrangements that the
patient comes first, and where appropriate receives the full support of the social and
educational services.
A third enactment, the Education (Milk) Act, 1971, was placed on the statute book.
Whatever the arguments for and against, the advantages and disadvantages taking in
the emotional, social, financial and nutritional viewpoints, a considerable amount of effort,
time and patience has been expended by the staff of the health department (medical,
nursing and administrative) in the implementation of this legislation. A continuing
monitoring programme will be required to assess any possible long term effects for good
or ill.
The National Health Service Act, 1946 has laid a duty on a local health authority
to make arrangements by employing nurses for the purpose of attending upon persons
who require nursing in their own homes. Over the last two decades this service has been
essentially a daytime one. However during 1971 you established a night nursing service,
which has been well received.
A mention should be made of the Caravan visit in collaboration with the Women's
Cancer Campaign during September and October. A detailed account of this successful
enterprise is included in the body of the report.
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