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So far as the operation of services was concerned, 1967 was a
year of steady progress. In March the Developmental Clinic was
started at Morden Road Clinic at which Dr. A. R. Worters, the
Physician-Superintendent of the Manor Hospital attends and sees,
by appointment, young children to advise parents on their possible
future mental development. My thanks are due to Dr. Worters for the
excellent Specialist Service which he renders to the Authority. Details
of the working of this Clinic will be found on page 32.
In May a Clinic for Older People was commenced at Amity
Grove Clinic, operated by Dr. Joan Ferreira who has given an interesting
review of her year's work at this Clinic on page 42.
In my Annual Report for 1966, I drew attention to the fact that
the pilot scheme of 10 cervical smears per week being examined by
the Consultant Pathologist at St. Helier Hospital would expand as the
Pathology Department of the Hospital was able to provide increased
facilities for examination. Early in the year the number of smears
taken weekly increased from 10 to 20, and in July was increased to 40
and by the end of the year this increased number was able to cope
adequately, not merely with demands for initial examination, but also
with the repeat samples called for by the Consultant Pathologist.
There was no waiting list at the end of the year.
Apart from the continuing difficulty of recruiting a full complement
of Public Health Inspectors, there were no serious staffing
shortages during the year. Some difficulty is still experienced in recruiting
qualified Social Workers, and it would still seem that the
most likely long-term method of ensuring a full establishment of
qualified Social Workers will be to provide trainee posts, not merely
for those taking the two-year course leading to the Certificate in Social
Work Training, but for graduates who are eligible for a one-year postgraduate
course qualifying them as specialised Social Workers.
Co-operation with the general practitioner and hospital services,
with voluntary and statutory bodies, and with other Departments of
the Authority was good throughout the year.
I should like to express my appreciation to the Chairman and
Members of the Health Committee for the consideration and courtesy
which they have shown to me during the year.
My thanks are also due to all members of the Health Department
staff for the loyal and efficient way in which they have carried out
their duties during the year. My special thanks are due to Mr.
Cockell, the Chief Public Health Inspector, and to Mr. Atkinson,
my Chief Administrative Officer, for their contributions in connection
with the preparation of this Report.
I am also indebted to my colleagues in other Departments for
their help and co-operation at all times.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
P. J. DOODY,
Medical Officer of Health.
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