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given. Particulars of cases served will be found under the appropriate
section. Difficulty was experienced in recruiting Home Helps suitable and
willing to attend cases of Tuberculosis.
Clean Food Campaign
Experience has shown that the best means of conducting a clean food
campaign is by individual approach to those concerned with handling of
food in shops, restaurants and cafes. Public meetings, with exhibits and
film shows, to which much time and energy are given, are poorly attended
and are not a successful means of making contact with the type of foodhandler
most likely to spread infection. The District Sanitary Inspector
is able to visit these persons while they are actually working and, where the
standard of hygiene is unsatisfactory, to make follow-up visits.
Housing
The number of families on the Council's list for re-housing at the
beginning of the year was 2,575. 257 families were re-housed during
year, leaving 2,273 families still waiting to be housed at the end of the year.
This is a disturbing factor, and one affecting the nation generally,which
reflects most adversely on the mental health and well-being of very
persons. Functional nervous disorders in both adults and children can be
traced back to a common cause, i.e., inadequate or unsatisfactory housing
Many couples who have been married as long as five years have not yet,
been able to secure a home of their own and are still living with 'in-laws'.
The children of these people are frequently referred for child guidance
Further, many persons, anxious to have children, are unwilling to do
owing to lack of a suitable home. Another aspect of the problem is the
disturbance caused to elderly persons who want to live quietly but cannot
do so owing to having to share their homes with children and gran
children.
Tuberculosis
In conclusion I would mention the problem of the tuberculous.
to lack of accommodation in hospitals and sanatoria, the average time for
awaiting admission is six months for females and nine months for males
During the waiting period there is opportunity for spread of the disease
this being especially accentuated when housing conditions are unsatisfactory
Closure of sanatorium beds owing to shortage of nursing staff and the
that modern methods of treatment render it necessary for the patient's
in an institution to be a prolonged one, are contributory factors. It is .extra
beds may be made available.
I am much indebted to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members of
the Public Health Committee for the support and co-operation which they
have given me in my work throughout the year.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
F. G. BROWN, M.B., B.Ch., D.P.H
29th August, 1950
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