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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-10-151 BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING October 15, 1948 A regular meeting of the Board of Health was held on Friday, October 15, 1948 at 3:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Room. Chairman McQuillan, Messrs. Russell and Terhune were present. The Clerk was also present. Dr. Robert E. Archibald and Dr. Robert E. S. Kelley, of the StateDepartment of Public Health were also present. Licensing of convalescent homes was discussed. Dr. Kelley said that if there should be a licensed home in Lexington with which the Board is not satis- fied, the State would welcome a notice after which an investigation will be made, and the license inasmuch as it is a State license, would have to be revoked. He stated that the licensing of convalescent homes is now under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Public Health. Dr. Archibald stated that every home will be in- spected by the State before a license is granted. A report of the Building Inspector, Wire Inspector, Fire Department and approval of the Board of Health must first be submitted to the State. Mr. Terhune asked if the Fire Department should submit reports made on canvalescent home inspections to the State or to the Board of Health. Dr. Archibald replied that the report should be submitted to the Board of Health and sent into the State with the application. The Chairman explained that the Board would like advice on the subject of a permanent Health Officer. He explained the duties of the present part-time Officer and salary paid. Dr. Archibald said that he thought the Board was Health wise in giving some thought to securing a permanent Officer trained Health Officer. He stated that he talked with Dr. Bradley from the University of Massachusetts. They have five men with B. S. Degrees who are now studying for a Master. He thought one of those men would be interested in a position of this type and would be ready to take over by February. 25 Conval- escent Homes 26 Turkeys The Chairman inquired as to the salary and Dr. Archibald said he was told offhand that a man could be obtained for around $3,000. The Chairman asked if the applicant would be trained for laboratory work and Dr. Archibald replied that he would do his own laboratory work and would be equipped to set up a laboratory. Dr. Kelley said he uhderstood the five students were all veterans. Dr. Archibald agreed to write Dr. Bradley and tell him that the Lexington Board of. Health is inter- ested in securing a permanent trained Health Officer. The man Dr. Bradley recommends could then meet with the Board for an interview. The Chairman explained that the Board has given some thought to the establishment of a Health Council and will meet this evening with representatives from the Visiting Nurse Association and the School Committee to discuss the subject. Dr. Archibald recommended including the Welfare Board, Parent-Teacher Association, Red Cross, Rotary Club, Lions Club, etc. The Chairman said that a Health Council would not act with any power other than that which comes from the Board of Health. Dr. Kelley explained that the purpose of the Council would be to make the people health conscious. Mr. Russell asked if the doctors approved publish- ing restaurants ratings and both were very much in favor providing the inspections were made by a trained Health Officer. The Chairman asked about publishing milk reports and Dr. Kelley stated that it is not fair to publish the reports where an analysis is made only four times a year. Dr. Archibald and Dr. Kelley retired at 4:24 p.m. Mr. Lamont met with the Board, submitted a report of his activitiesand reports of restaurants inspected. Application was received from Frank Canuli, 16 Plymouth Road, Reading for permission to keep 500 turkeys on the premises owned by Mr. Dunham and located on Leonard Road. Mr. Lamont recommended 1 27 unfavorable action. He explained that the abutters object very strongly. Mr. Terhune moved that the application be denied. Mr. Russell seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Report was received from the State Department of Public Health relative to analysis of samples of water from a well on the premises of John E. Allen Co., North Street. Mr. Lamont informed the Board that the well is located in Burlington. The Board agreed to meet on Friday, November 12, 1948 at 2:00 p.m. for the purpose of preparing the 1949 health budgets. Letter was received from the Welfare Agent stating that the Welfare Department will be glad to co-operate in any way in an effort to determine the fitness of the homes licensed for the care of Infants and Nursing. A detailed report was submitted on each of the homes now licensed for Boarding Infants. Application was received from Marguerite Woodis, 41 Grant Street for the renewal of a license to operate an Infant Boarding Home. Mr. Terhune explained to the Board that he had Woodis discussed this particular home with Mrs. McMahon, 111,11. License of the Division of Child Guardianship who reported that the entire house is in a most unsanitary condition. She also found violations of Building and Plumbing Laws. Mr. Terhune moved that the application be dis- approved. Mr. Russell seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Massachusetts General Hospital stating that Miss D. June Lowe was admitted on October 14, 1945 for treatment with a diagnosis of Renal Tuberculosis. Inasmuch asthe patient is unable to meet any of her expenses, and because of the diagnosis, the hospital desires to know if the Board of Health will take care of her hospitalization. The Board considered Miss Lowe's history and author- ized the Clerk to advise the hospital that the Board of Health will be responsible for Miss Lowers hospital bills. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. A true record, Attest: ge ,and of Hea th.