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INTRODUCTION.
TO: THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF
THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF WEST HAM.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
1 have the honour to present to you my Annual Report for
the year 1927. I am repeating- the procedure of last year by
including- in one volume my reports upon the various health
services of the Council.
The advantage of educating the public in the subject
of Health has now become generally recognised.
The Health Week held in conjunction with the West Ham Insurance
Committee in October last proved a big success, and was
undoubtedly productive of a wave of interest in matters appertaining
to Hygiene. The ramifications of the work of the Public
Health Department continue to extend, and although the extent
and importance of its activities are becoming more appreciated
by the public as a whole, there is need for still further advantage
to be taken of existing facilities connected with preventive and
curative medicine.
A Sanatorium, with accommodation for 40 children suffering
from Pulmonary Tuberculosis, has been erected at Langdon Hills,
Essex, and was opened for the reception of patients in November
last.
In connection with the Maternity and Child Welfare work,
a Clinic has recently been established for the treatment of children
by artificial sunlight. Arrangements have been made whereby
seaside convalescent treatment is available for debilitated nursing
mothers and their infants. Dental Clinics have also been inaugurated
for children under 5 years of age, and a part-time dentist
(Miss Wilson, L.D.S.) was appointed in June, 1927. The
Education Committee have granted the use of the School Dental
Premises for this purpose.
A scheme is now before the Board of Control for the establishment
at Ockenden, Essex, of a Colony to accommodate 500
variously graded Mentally Defective persons from this and other
districts. The Colony is so planned as to be capable of extension
to accommodate over 1,000 cases. The shortage throughout the
country of such accommodation is acute, and this Borough, in
common with most other Authorities, has a considerable number
of defectives suitable for and awaiting Institutional treatment.
The need for so large an Institution throws very vividly into relief
the still greater need for further research work into the cause and
prevention of mental deficiency.
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