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Though not a statutory duty since the changes in local administration brought about by the
Education Act, 1944 and the National Health Service Act, 1946, I have continued at the end of
this Report, as in previous years, to place on record the day-to-day functions of the Area Health
Committee (Tottenham and Hornsey). involving as they do an essential part of the local health
services Such a procedure seems all the more important this year, in the light of the recommendation
made by the Royal Commission on Local Government in Greater London.
A careful study of the facts and figures submitted show how well the services have been
supported by the public and in particular by mothers and their babies and by children of school
age and under.
Special reference is made to the work for the care of handicapped children at the Blanche
Nevile School for the deaf, Vale Road special school for the physically handicapped and in the
hospital school at St, Ann's. Attention too is drawn to the shortage of hospital beds for the
elderly and for maternity cases Domicilary midwives too often have to cope with unsatisfactory
home conditions and conduct deliveries in small furnished rooms where other tenants share
amenities and where children of the family have to be removed for the confinement.
After several years delay a new service, known as the Retirement Clinic for men, has been
started in the area This is designed to assist those about to reach retirement age in making
necessary adjustments in their mode of living; and to meet mainly the needs of the able aged
whose faculties are still little or not impaired. Advice is given by the medical officer in charge
after a thorough medical overhaul and reference if necessary to the family doctor, on such matters
as suitable diet, prevention of accidents, occupation of leisure or suitable remunerative employment
(in co-operation with Ministry of Labour), and development of interests essential to mental
health and activity in advancing age. Such a service may not only prolong a contented and useful
life, but save admission of more elderly people to welfare homes and hospitals.
Close co-operation has continued in all branches of the health department with the local
hospital services, general medical practitioners, various local co-ordinating committees at officer
level, Borough Education Officer, headteachers and the many voluntary organisations with whom
the establishment of cordial relations is so necessary in the interests of the public and for the
efficiency of the service.
In addition to this my preface, a number of individual contributions to the report as a whole
have been made by colleagues in all sections and to whom I acknowledge my indebtedness for
their help and co-operation on this occasion and throughout the year,
In conclusion Iwould like to express my thanks to members of the Council, especially to the
Chairman of the Health and Housing Committee, the Education Committee and Social Services SubCommittee
and the Chairman of the Area Health Committee for their understanding and encouragement.
I am,
Your obedient servant,
G, HAMILTON HOGBEN,
Medical Officer of Health.