Public Health (1986), 100, 401-405
Notes from the Societies Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Friday 1 August 1986 at 28 Portland Place, London W1N 4DE
Present: Dr Dr Dr Dr Dr Dr
M. Beaver (President) P. Benyon J. N. Lambton V. Mackay L. McMurdo W. Orton
Dr J. S. Robertson Dr P. Roads Dr J. F. Skone Dr J. H. Whittles Mrs H. Griffiths Dr P. A. Gardner (Hon. Secretary)
(1) Apologies Apologies were received from Drs Anderson, Hilton, Morfitt, Watkins and Mrs Usher. (2) Minutes of Meeting 18 April 1986 The minutes previously circulated were approved as amended, also previously circulated. (3) Matters arising (7a) After long discussion it was agreed in principle that there should be a new award to doctors or non-doctors of repute - the current awards, for example, cannot apply to Community Physicians in Academic Departments who are not members of the Society. It was agreed that the Honorary Secretary should draft some 'rules', which would require nominations to be from Council, for the Council meeting in October. (7b) The President said that Dr Gardner deserved the gratitude of all members for his achievements in recent years. Not only had he restored the aims and purposes of the Society, put its management on a sound footing and re-established a vigorous and successful educational programme, he had participated energetically and effectively in national discussions on the many important issues which faced both Community Physicians and Community Health doctors over a long period. His contributions were many and valued, not only to the Society, but to the BMA, the CCCMCH, the Faculty of Community Medicine and other organisations and societies outwith the specialty, but always with sound, thoughtful and balanced advice and guidance. In acting as Honorary Secretary to the Society, Peter Gardner is skilled, tireless and courteous, the President continued, and it gave him great pleasure in proposing that Dr Gardner should be awarded the James Kershaw Memorial Prize for 1986, as it was timely and appropriate that his contribution to Community Medicine be recognised in this way. These sentiments were endorsed by the Council members, and it was agreed unanimously that Dr Peter Gardner should be awarded the James Kershaw Memorial Prize for 1986. (8) The Honorary Secretary reported satisfactory numbers of applications had been received for the two September conferences and that a good profit could be shared with © The Societyof CommunityMedicine,1986
402
Notes from the Societies
the participating organisations. The programme for 14 November 'The Changing Pattern of Food-Borne Disease' had just been completed and would be circulated by the end of the month. For 1987 it was proposed, and agreed, to join the Industrial Society for a day symposium on 'Communication' - probably March. (4) Editor's Report The editor reported that the supply of papers was being maintained. There were 28 papers awaiting publication. He reported on a meeting with Alex Williamson, and sought approval for changes in style and format which had been discussed. It was agreed that the 1987 volume would be produced with a 'spine' instead of by stapling as at present. Proposals for alternative new cover designs to celebrate the journal's centenary were discussed. A cover design featuring the Society's emblem was approved for the 1988 volume. The proposals from Macmillans regarding charges for 1987 were discussed. Because of late renewals of subscriptions, the year's income could not yet be predicted. The effects of the profit sharing agreement could not be calculated or their effect on the Society's finances assessed. The Council approved the charges of £8 for members, £52 for non-members in the UK, $117 in the USA and £78 elsewhere in the world. It was agreed that in future Alex Williamson, Publications Manager Scientific Division, Macmillan Press, be invited to attend the July meeting of the Council to present the accounts for the previous year's volume, and to discuss the proposed charges for the following year. (5) Treasurer's Report (a) The accounts for 1984-85 were approved, subject to minor amendments by the Honorary Auditor, and the AGM. (b) The Auditor's report was discussed, and it was agreed that ties/scarves should be written off, that various accounts be tied and amalgamated, that professional investment be sought through Mr Waltham for the AGM and that loans could be redeemed if requested. (c) Current account £4,800, deposit £3,367, development £3,786, Kershaw £4,323, Newth £496, Maddison £484, special deposit £15,000. (d) November 1985 symposium balance still to be finalised. (6) New Members The following were elected:Dr A. H. Allmark (Shrewsbury) Dr D. Devlin (Middlesbrough) Dr M. Glacker (Co. Mayo) Dr G. R. Hamilton (Bramley) Dr S. N. F. Harrocks (Mold) " Dr S. R. Hilton (Manchester) Dr W. S. Morton (G. Manchester)
Dr D. Kramer (London) Dr G. Maruszak (Poland) Dr. A. A. Morsley (Nottingham) Dr G. Scally (Belfast) Dr L. Wdowiak (Poland) Dr J. D. Williamson (Barnsley) Dr M. M. Rothburn (PHLS, Liverpool)
Notes from the Societies
403
(7) Meeting with Deputy CMO The President reported that note had been taken of the wide range of interests of the Society, and that appropriate steps would be taken to ensure as far as possible, that we would be consulted whenever appropriate. It was also noted that the Society's membership comprised Community Health doctors as well as Community Physicians. Dr Beaver wished his thanks to be noted in respect of those members, who accompanied him to the meeting, for their very valuable contributions. (8) CCCMCH Reports for January and April 1986 These were noted. At Dr Road's suggestion it was agreed that facts concerning Distinction Awards be presented at the April 1987 CCCMCH meeting. (9) Age Concern and ASH Reports Dr Whittles reported on recent meetings of ASH and Age Concern (summaries enclosed). (10) Dental Report A dental report from Mrs Usher was noted. (11) Promotional Leaflet A 'mock-up' was shown to the meeting, and it was agreed that at a cost of approximately £5000 the Honorary Secretary should confirm the order of new leaflets with a change to the suggested cover and minor amendments to the lay-out. (12) Exhibition Stand The principle was agreed and the Honorary Secretary is to pursue the matter and report back to the next meeting. (13) British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry Following receipt of a letter from that Association (booklets produced listed in agenda papers for this meeting), it was agreed that the Honorary Secretary arrange a meeting to discuss mutual interests, including the possibility of joint membership. (14) Acheson Inquiry The Society's evidence had been acknowledged. The President thanked Drs Robertson and Gardner for the work they had put into the compilation, and all those who had contributed. The results of the inquiry, he said, were awaited with interest. (15) 'Primary Health Care' and 'Neighbourhood Nursing' Preliminary evidence had been sent to the Secretary of the House of Commons Social
404
Notes from the Societies
Service Committee, but the main Society evidence would be sent in November. NB All members' views are welcomed, and should be forwarded to the Honorary Secretary by mid-October. (16a) R I P H H Core Course 1985 Part2 The Honorary Secretary believed some applications had been received. (b) RIPHH Core Course 1986 Part 1 - to be held on 20-23 October 1986 and publicity to Community Health doctors and trainee GPs was to be encouraged. (17a) R A D A R Senior Officers' Meeting The next meeting is to be held on 29 September, 11.30 am-4.00 pm, in London. (b) South East Regional Association for D e a f - the next meeting is to be held on 12 September. (18) Reports from other Representatives The documents received, as listed in agenda papers, were noted, and the fact that a response to MAFF 79/112/EEC(78) had been made. (19) Response to MAFF re. amendment to 79/112/EEC(78) The Scottish Office were seeking evidence of the future development of Community Medicine in Scotland, and the Honorary Secretary was seeking views on behalf of the Society. In the meantime, would Scottish members of the Society reading these minutes in the journal please send their views to the Honorary Secretary at his home address. (20) Date of next meeting 24 October 1986 at 11.00 am (AGM 12.00 noon) and 9 January 1987 at 11.00 am. (21) There being no other business the meeting was adjourned with a vote of thanks to the President for getting through so much business with alacrity and aplomb.
Forthcoming Events International Symposium of School and University Health and Medicine This will be held at the Palace of Culture, Prague, Czechoslovakia from 7-10 July 1987. This symposium is organised under the auspices of the European Union for School and University Health and Medicine. The official languages are English, French, Russian, Czech and Slovakjan. Registration Fee 150 US Dollars. Application forms and further details are available from: Secretariat, Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Srobarova 48, 100 42 Prague 10, Czechoslovakia. Telephone 742331; Telex 122 662. MUDr. Kamil Provaznik, CSc - General Secretary; MUDr. Lumir Komarek, CSc - Scientific Secretary.
Notes from the Societies
405
World Conference of Chemical Accidents, Rome 7-10 July 1987 The conference is being sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Instituto Superiore de Sanita - Roma, and the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). The Conference is to be held in Rome on 7-10 July 1987. The main topic areas are Prevention, Contingency Planning, Emergency Response, Rehabilitation Following Chemical Accidents, and Case Studies and Surveys. Case studies will discuss accidents during manufacturing, transportation, storage and disposal. Editorial enquiries to: David F. Cowan 041-332-3336. All other enquiries to: Ron Hurley, CEP Consultants 031-557-2478.
XVI Pacific Science Congress, Seoul, Korea 20-30 August 1987 This is sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences Republic of Korea, with the theme 'New Dimensions of Science Manpower and Resources in the Pacific'. Further details: Secretariat Organizing Committee, XVI Pacific Science Congress KPO Box 1008, Seoul, 110, Korea. Tel. (02) 733-4478.