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This is a larger number of cases of infantile paralysis than has
previously been recorded in any year in this Borough. We were fortunate,
however, not to have had more, as infantile paralysis was epidemic over
the greater part of the country during the Summer of 1947. Most of
our cases were diagnosed early and brought under experienced treatment
at the first opportunity. As a result, crippling defects are at a minimum,
and are continuing to be dealt with through the physiotherapy departments
of St. Helier County Hospital and our own department at the
Grange. One case, in an adult male aged 32 years, has proved very
severe and intractable, and this patient at the end of the year was still in
an iron lung at the Wandle Valley Isolation Hospital.
During succeeding years, the Corporation will be called upon to
review carefully two matters of grave Public Health importance. These
are the future maintenance of the River Wandle and the disposal of the
Corporation's dry refuse.
Owing to the failure of the springs from which the River Wandle
draws much of its water supply, and possibly owing to the greater
extraction of water by local wells here and in Croydon, the river has
degenerated into a sluggish, stagnant stream. Persons living in the
immediate vicinity called on the Corporation's officers during the year
to carry out cleansing of certain sections of the river, and while this
relieved temporarily the nuisance of accumulated refuse and foreign
matter in the bed of the stream, the main cause of trouble, that is, failure
of sufficient head of water, remains a matter for some concern.
During the year the Corporation gave preliminary discussion to the
matter of refuse disposal, as it would appear the life of the existing tip
in Beddington Lane is limited, and the necessity for finding other sites
for refuse disposal has become acute. This problem will continue to be
explored by the authority during subsequent years, but at first sight the
solution is not apparent.
Much time was spent during the year in consultation with the Surrey
County Council on how best to apply the National Health Service Act,
1946, to the County districts. At the close of the year, however, a concrete
scheme had been put forward with the agreement of all parties, by
which Beddington & Wallington and Carshalton become one County
Health District, governed by a Sub-Committee of the Central County
Health Committee. It is to be hoped that during 1948 these plans
will be put into successful operation, with the coming into force from the
5th July of this Act and other social legislation aimed at the improvement
of the country's health services.
In conclusion, I wish to place on record my appreciation of the loyal
service and valuable assistance I have received from all the members of
my staff throughout the year.
I have the honour to be,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
PATRICK J. O'CONNELL,
July, 1948. Medical Officer of Health.
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