[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney].

  • Stepney (London, England). Metropolitan Borough.
Date:
[1963]
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

Credit: [Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    arise in a 'mixed population' further work is required, in selected groups at risk. A project for 1963 includes special visits by the Mass Radiography Unit to lodging houses, areas showing high infection rates, and also.an experimental once-weekly day visit to a static site in the Borough. The psycho-geriatric ward, day hospital, and club at St.Clement's Hospital continue to flourish. An item taken from the annual report of the Consultant Psychiatrist is included on page 22. Provision of a hostel to care for mentally frail old people is still required in the Borough, as is the need for day clubs in the community to link hospital therapy with ordinary life outside. A discussion on the rising rate of illegitimacy and venereal disease is on page 10. It is hoped that 1963 will bring a concerted effort with other interested statutory and voluntary bodies to reach the vulnerable younger age groups. The policy of declaring smoke control areas, under the Clean Air Act, came under criticism with the 'smog' in December, 1962. Fortun ately, the mortality rate attributable to this smog was less than that in a similar incident during 1952. The present schemes to reduce smoke emission by extending smoke control areas were vindicated. Research is required to find methods to reduce the sulphur content in fuels, prior to sale, so that health hazards from oxides of sulphur shall be minimised. Stepney is a challenge. Much has been achieved, particularly in the post-war period, but much remains to be done before the new Stepney can be said to have emerged. In conclusion I express gratitude to the Chairman and Members of Committees for their support. The continued co-operation of the Town Clerk and other Chief Officers of the Council and their staffs are acknowledged. To the staff of the Public Health Department I extend grateful appreciation of their loyal and efficient help at all times. I am, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, R. W. WATTON, Medical Officer of Health. May, 1963. 4