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45
However, it was felt that visits to Hackney families should more appropriately
be carried out by a Principal Medical Officer from this department,
and this officer also deputises for the Camden Principal Medical Officer
for visits in the other three Boroughs.
Participation in these surveys involves the department in a considerable
amount of work but it is felt that this is worthwhile in the interest of
general community health. However, in view of the ever increasing number
of requests from a variety of sources it has become more than ever necessary
to scrutinise the worthiness of each request received.
STAFF MEDICAL SERVICE
Normally new entrants to the Council's service are required to complete
a Medical Qyestionnaire only but certain officers, mainly those who will
be resident and working with children, are required to undergo a medical
examination before taking up duties.
In addition, students intending to go to Teacher Training Colleges and
persons living in the borough but who propose working for another authority
are also medically examined by staff of this department.
A total of 1, 366 medical questionnaires were processed. The number of
medical examinations, as mentioned above, was 100 and were carried out by
the department Medical Officers. If there is doubt as to some condition
mentioned in the questionnaire, the applicant's general practitioner Is asked
for a confidential report. If there is any doubt as to whether the applicant
would be suitable for the position because of medical reasons the person has
an interview with the Principal Medical Officer concerned with this work.
This happened on one occasion in 1972.
Cases of long term illness and accident are assessed by a Principal
Medical Officer. This can be very time consuming because it is important,
in order that the correct assesanent can be made, that the fullest details
be obtained. The number of such medical assessments were 200 and of these
134 were for long term illness and66 accident cases. Provision is made for
recommending employees found permanently unfit to carry out their normal
duties to be offered employment in certain designated light duty posts, which
they are considered capable of occupying. It would be an advantage for many
employees returning to work after a long term illness to be allowed to work
part time for a period before taking up full-time employment, but this has
not yet been possible.
During the year 55 heavy goods vehicle drivers were examined in
accordance with the Traffic Legislation.
There was a considerable increase in all these activities during the
year and the number of sessions held was 128 against 116 for 1971.