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provision is not really necessary for these patients, and in my view equally they are not suitable for
the ordinary Part III Home, with its present level of staffing. They need specialised provision to give
them the necessary care and attention and supervision which they need, but within the community.
A great deal of attention is being given to the subject of Addiction, involving alcohol, cigarettes
and drugs. Particularly in the School Health service attention has been paid to this question of addiction,
and every opportunity has been taken, especially by way of films and talks, to bring about a more
complete understanding of this matter among the younger generation. The extent of the drug problem
is guess work, because no reliable statistics are available. While, as yet, no serious difficulties have been
met, in view of the national and international development of addiction, careful observation will be
maintained as far as present resources allow.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all my colleagues in the Health and Welfare
Department for their loyalty and support during the year. Without their constant attention to, and
interest in, their work, the Department could not have provided the efficient service to the public
which I believe it has provided.
I would also like to place on record my thanks to my colleagues in the other Departments of the
Borough Council, who, without fail, have co-operated most effectively on each occasion when help
has been required.
It is necessary also to say how much the Department has enjoyed the support and co-operation
of the many voluntary agencies in the Borough, as without their help the Statutory services would find
it very difficult to function.
I must express my gratitude for the help and co-operation I have received from the general practitioners
and the local hospital staffs; their help has been invaluable on very many occasions.
Finally, I cannot allow this occasion to pass without expressing my own personal thanks, especially
to the Chairmen of the Health and Welfare Committees, and to all those members of the Council who
have taken such an interest in the work, and who have been so helpful on many occasions.
O. C. DOBSON,
Medical Officer of Health.