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The reasons for the observed differences are unclear but it must now be a major task to determine
whether service deficiencies could be a significant factor or whether there is perhaps some
undetected environmental factor. Similarly an analysis of the number of deaths from carcinoma
of the pancreas shows an upward trend which is greater than would be expected from changes in
the age structure of the population or the proportionate increase in all causes of death. Such investigations
require much detailed study before relevant conclusions can be made. Another aspect of
the work of the community physician is the application of computers to the organisation of health
services, and the report on page 46 describes the introduction of computer data processing to the
immunisation programmes currently operated by the department.
It is my pleasure to thank the Town Clerk and chief officers for their continued support and help
throughout the year. I am particularly glad to express my gratitude to the staff of the health department
for their unfailing assistance despite the steadily increasing pressure of work at this time. Finally my
thanks are due to all members of the Council without whose encouragement we could not hope to
succeed.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
J. Stuart Horner
Director of Health Services
March 1973
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