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practitioners, but there will be no diminution of effort to ensure that
a Health Centre in Merton shall become an established fact. The
public, the general practitioners and the staff of the Authority, have all
much to gain from the close working relationship which is fostered in
a Health Centre.
The Department was actively concerned during the year in ensuring
that cases of renal failure could dialyze at home and thus reduce
pressure on hospital- beds. Three cases were dealt with—two by way
of adaptation of the patient's house, and one by way of the provision
of a ' Portakabin' adjacent to the patient's house. This brought the
total of these cases in Merton to five at the end of the year.
I would like to offer my colleagues in the other Departments of
the Council my thanks for their friendly and helpful co-operation at
all times. I am also indebted to our Geriatrician, Dr. Peter Millard,
for his ready assistance, to our Obstetricians and Paediatricians and
all other Consultants who so willingly help us and also the many
voluntary and statutory bodies who are always ready to offer support.
The loyal and efficient manner in which all members of the
Health Department carried out their duties during the year was
gready appreciated. Special thanks are due to Mr. Smith, the Chief
Public Health Inspector (and his predecessor Mr. Cockell), to Mrs.
Poole, the Chief Nursing Officer, and to Mr. Atkinson, my Chief
Administrative Officer, for their contributions in connection with the
preparation of this report.
Finally, I would like to express my thanks to all members of the
Council, and particularly members of the Health Committee, for their
support throughout the year.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
E. H. TODD,
Medical Officer of Health.
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