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15
were so justly proud, but we can take consolation from the fact
that the Borough has done a great deal towards promoting the
success of the National Health Scheme in transferring services
which, in their scope and efficiency, were second to none.
The importance of the Public Health Department is not
diminished by the loss of these services. Remaining as it does
responsible for the administration of the environmental health
services, the Department's responsibilities are, if anything,
increased by the part which it now has to play in ensuring that
the community secures the maximum advantage from the introduction
of the National Health and Insurance Schemes, for a
National Health Service cannot be expected to accomplish its full
purpose if the people live in unsatisfactory houses and consume
unclean food.
On the 31st August, 1948, consequent upon his removal to
Cornwall, Dr. A. M, Barlow, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., resigned his
appointment as Deputy Medical Officer of Health, which he had
held since 1923. Dr. Barlow's duties were principally in connection
with the diagnosis of infectious diseases, in which he
had obtained extensive experience abroad, and administrative
measures relative thereto, and his assistance at all times and, in
particular, during the outbreaks in the Borough of smallpox and
enteric fever, proved invaluable.
The Council, at a meeting held on the 17th September, 1948,
passed a resolution expressing regret at Dr. Barlow's resignation
and appreciation of the valuable services he had rendered to the
Borough.
Dr. D. Bielenky, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., who gave such magnificent
service to the Borough as Deputy Medical Officer for Civil
Defence during the war, was appointed Deputy Medical Officer
of Health in place of Dr. A. M. Barlow.
It is with pleasure that I place on record my appreciation
of the cordial relationship which existed between the Public
Health Committee and the Public Health Department; due in no
small measure to the unfailing co-operation and sympathetic
assistance which had been afforded the Department by the
Chairman and each member of the Committee in dealing with
the many difficult problems which arose.
My thanks are also due to all members of my staff for the
conscientious and efficient manner in which they have discharged
their duties.
G. H. DART,
Medical Officer of Health.