[Report 1958] / Medical Officer of Health, Sutton Coldfield Borough.

  • Sutton Coldfield (England). Borough Council.
Date:
1958
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1958] / Medical Officer of Health, Sutton Coldfield Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    health measures. Under the Area Health Scheme, we are pressing on with the vaccination and immunisation against Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Smallpox and Poliomyelitis. Diphtheria and Smallpox has already been practically eliminated in this Country and it is hoped that the same will happen to the others. However, it is unwise to be complacent and it is necessary that we continue to stress the importance of keeping a high proportion of the population vaccinated or immunised, otherwise, these diseases will once again gain a foot-hold. Details of vaccination and immunisation can be seen in Section F on Infectious Diseases. During the year it was decided that whilst the general standard of hygiene in the shops in Sutton Coldfield was reasonable it would be a good thing to hold a series of lectures on food hygiene and methods of clean handling of food. On approaching the food traders in the Town it was found that they were entirely in favour of such a scheme and were prepared to co-operate whole¬ heartedly. Arrangements were therefore made to hold courses in the centre of the Town and also on the outskirts. In April the Council decided to proceed with drainage schemes for the Riland Road and Bedford Road areas and also the outfall sewer at Pype Hayes Park. Over the last few years there has been considerable flooding in these areas during heavy rainfall and it is hoped that these schemes will eliminate this. During the year the Borough Surveyor submitted plans of the Boldmere area sewage and surface water drainage scheme. This scheme of which the estimated cost is £262,000 is one of major importance to the Borough and has been under consideration and discussion for a number of years. Naturally a scheme of this size will take some considerable time to implement but will bring the Boldmere area drainage up to modern standards and obviate any further flooding with sewage in that area. In the interests of clean air and as another step in reducing atmospheric pollution, the Borough Council considered during the year the question of the introduction of a bye-law for the provision in all new houses of approved grates and fire-places for burning smokeless fuel. In the near future the Borough Council will be considering the introduction of smoke-control areas and it was wise to take this opportunity to introduce such a bye-law so that houses newly-constructed will be fitted with suitable appliances and fireplaces which will not need any alteration or money spent on them if the houses fall within any such smokeless areas. No doubt it will be remembered that during the International Jubilee Jamboree it was found that spraying the park with