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the work of bis section could not be surpassed. Under these circumstances the report on the
Environmental Health Section was prepared by the Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector
who was appointed Chief Public Health Inspector early in 1972.
There is increasing public interest in Environmental Health Services particularly in the
fields of housing, food hygience, and pollution and pest control. The number of complaints
regarding the condition of food increases every year.
Housing
I refer to a report given by the Housing Manager. It will be noted that there is
considerable delay in rehousing Category I Medical cases (this category recommends immediate
rehousing) particularly when the applicant is an elderly person.
There was an increase in the number of applicants for old people's dwellings compared with
1970. Although there are now at long last a number of schemes under consideration for additional
old people's dwellings, it will be many years before the total number of old people's dwellings is
sufficient to cope with the demand. The provision of old people's dwellings results in additional
accommodation for the general housing need since many of the elderly persons are living in
accommodation surplus to their needs.
The number of dwellings being built or planned for handicapped and disabled persons is
completely inadequate. A considerable acceleration in the programme for the provision of old
people's dwellings and dwellings for the handicapped is strongly recommended.
National Health Service Reorganisation
The Consultative Document on National Helath Service Reorganisation produced by Sir
Keith Joseph, Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Security was received
in May 1971.
The three branches of the Health Services, i.e. Hospital, General Medical Practitioner and
Local Helath Authority Services (except Environmental Health Services) will be integrated and
operative from 1st April, 1974. Under these circumstances Local Health Authorities have just over
two years to carry out further development in their health services. Reference is particularly made to
the continued provision of Health Centres and an adequate Community Nursing Service.
It is my hope that this Council will hand over to the Area Health Authority in 1974
a service of the highest order.
I have pleasure in recording my grateful thanks to all the staff of the Health
Department for their valuable and devoted service to the borough, and particularly to the
Principal Medical Officer, Senior Medical Officer, Chief Dental Officer, Chief Nursing Officer,
Chief Public Health I nspector and Chief Administrative Officer for their contributions to this
report.
The helpful advice of the other Chief Officers and their senior colleagues has been much
appreciated and I express my thanks to all members of the Council and in particular to members
of the Health and Education Committees for their support and guidance throughout the year.
W.H. KINSTRIE, MB.,ChB., DPH.,
Medical Officer of Health and
Principal School Medical Officer
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