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event, they are likely to be in a position to instill good health habits
into many people, not least their own families, and to encourage people
to discard bad habits which they may have already acquired. Many
nurses are unaware of the influence they have over people and we
should encourage them to use this influence to benefit as many as
possible of those with whom they may come into contact.
Special Activities
(a) A Forum on Drug Dependence was held in February, 1971,
to which were invited representatives from all interested bodies, such
as Teachers, Youth and Social Workers, Doctors and Pharmacists,
J.P.s, the Police, Rotarians and others. The Forum was opened by His
Worship the Mayor, Councillor A. Leivers. Dr. Dalzell Ward, as
Chairman, introduced the three eminent speakers, Dr. Dale Beckett,
Dr. George Birdwood and Dr. Peter Chappie. Many interesting
questions and comments came from the floor during the discussion
which followed and the evening was considered a success.
(b) The Borough Show. This took place on August Bank Holiday
and the Health Department had a stand in one of the marquees.
This was organised by Health Education staff in conjunction with
Senior Public Health Inspectors. The themes illustrated were those
of both personal and environmental health, i.e., 'Poisonous Plants
'Cervical Cytology and Breast Examination', 'Dental Health and
' Rats—They Spread Disease
The stand was manned throughout the day by various members
of staff from the Department. Thanks are extended to members of
the Local National Women's Cancer Campaign for their effort and
help on that day. It was stated that well over 22,000 people visited
the show and a great many of them came to the Department's stand.
(c) The Civic Exhibition. This annual event again took place in
October in the Public Hall at Wimbledon. The theme taken was
'Food'— the benefits derived from it and the troubles it can cause,
and also the responsibilities of the public health inspector for the food
sold in our shops and restaurants.
(d) Mind Week. Unfortunately this coincided with the Civic
Exhibition which meant that the Health Education staff were unable
to give as much help to the Local Mental Health Association as they
would otherwise have done, but help had been extended during the
previous months and support was given to the events which took place
during that week.
(e) Anti-Smoking Clinic. Another anti-smoking Five-Day Plan
Clinic was held in November with the help of Dr. White of the British
Temperance Society. The extent of the continued success of this
clinic will, no doubt, be established at the Follow-Up Clinic which
will be starting in the New Year.
Conclusion
The capacity of this service has this year become stretched to the
limit, both in staff and accommodation. Assistance given to schools,
local organisations, etc., has been immense but without additional staff,
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