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Many requests were received from factories, commercial firms, organisations, general practitioners,
shop-keepers, teachers, students and members of the public for posters and literature. The major demand was
for material on smoking and lung cancer, but that for drug abuse, etc., showed a marked increase during
the year.
In September, the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board's Mass Radiography Unit
visited Willesden, and an extensive advertising campaign was conducted on their behalf. Public response
was most gratifying and 12,297 people were x-rayed.
National campaigns on smoking and lung cancer, immunisation and influenza were supported, and
new literature and posters were distributed throughout the Borough. In addition, the Department organised local
campaigns on the care and use of oil heaters, and personal hygiene.
A large exhibit depicting the Department's many activities was displayed at the "Welcome to Citizenship"
held in the Town Hall in April. This was enjoyed by the 400 or so young people who attended and
many questions were put to the professional staff who were in attendance. A representative display was
shown in the Civic Services tent at the Brent Show held in September.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS AND MEDICAL REPORTS
New entrants to the Council's service are required to complete a medical assessment form. The
forms are scrutinized by an assessing medical officer and, if considered necessary, further information is
obtained from the entrant's general practitioner or a hospital, and/or a medical examination carried out.
During the year, 1,964 assessments were dealt with. Further information was obtained from general practitioners
in 18 cases and from hospitals in 13 cases. It was not necessary to carry out any medical
examinations.
Eight medical examinations were carried out on behalf of other local authorities. Five medical
examinations were carried out on behalf of other Departments of the Council where the Chief Officer considered
it necessary before granting an extension of service. Six members of the staff were recommended for
retirement on the grounds of permanent ill health.
It is a requirement of the Department of Education and Science that all teachers, on their first
appointment, and applicants for entry to Teacher Training Colleges, be medically examined. 137 teachers and
200 trainees were examined by Assistant Medical Officers.