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The new antibiotics and chemical agents have, however, very much
less effect-in some cases none at all—on the ultra microscopic organisms
known to us as viruses and science has so far had little success in producing
immunising vaccines against these viruses. It would seem that the
emphasis in the prevalence of infectious disease is, as a result, gradually
shifting to the virus varieties. There is every indication that our
infectious disease problems of the future will be more and more concerned
with the virus infections of which poliomyelitis and influenza
are striking examples.
As indicated in recent reports, increasing attention is being paid to
the prevention of food-borne illness and it is becoming generally
recognised that the solution to this problem lies mainly in raising the
standard of food hygiene. The risks of widespread illness inherent in
mass catering are underlined again by two significant outbreaks of food
poisoning in two of our local hospitals during the year. Legislation to
implement the recommendations of the Catering Trade Working Party
would be a considerable advance in this direction.
The year 1952 was significant for the fact that after a lapse of
twelve years the labour and supply of materials position made it possible
to resume the work of removing unfit dwellings. Whilst, by comparison
with many areas, this is not a great problem in Carshalton, adequate
housing accommodation is one of the fundamental necessities of health
to be reckoned among the priorities.
In once again acknowledging the willing and loyal support given to
me by all members of the department, I would like to pay a brief but
sincere t???ibute to the late Mr. L. G. Lydiatt who served the Council r.s
a Sanitary Inspector for fifteen years and who died in harness on New
Year's Day, 1953. He was an able and conscientious officer and a highly
esteemed colleague who gave ungrudgingly of his time and energies not
only for the good of the community, but in the interests of his fellow
workers. He exemplified all that is best in Local Government Service.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
F. LAWRENCE SMITH,
Medical Officer of Health.
August, 1953.
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