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Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey.
Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my Twelfth Annual Report on the sanitary condition of the
Borough of Bermondsey during the year 1912. The report deals with the 52 weeks beginning
December 31st, 1911, and ending December 28th, 1912. The death-rate was 16.9, compared with
18.4 in 1911, and 17.6 in 1910. This is the lowest death-rate recorded since the formation of the
Borough, but is still the third highest rate in the Metropolitan area.
No serious outbreaks of infectious disease occurred during the year, but the mild type of
scarlet fever mentioned in the last three reports was more prevalent. There was a large decrease in
diarrhœal diseases, a decrease in diphtheria, and a considerable increase in measles.
The sections of the report are, as usual, divided into : —
I.—Vital Statistics.
II.—Notification of Infectious Diseases.
III.—Sanitary Administration.
IV.—Factories and Workshops.
In the Appendix will be found the Local Government Board Tables, including a special
Table on Infantile Mortality.
Again, I may record my thanks to the Chairman and Members of the Public Health Committee
for their cordiality and co-operation throughout the year. Thanks are also due to the members
of the staff for their hearty co-operation in carrying out the various duties devolving on the Public
Health Department.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
R. KING BROWN.
I.—VITAL STATISTICS.
Population.
The populations of the Borough of BerMondsey and its registration sub-districts, as
enumerated in the Census of 1901 and 1911, and the estimate for the year under report, are as
follows:—
9
1901.
Estimated to
June 30th, 1912.
1911.
Bermondsey
Rotherhithe
St. Olave
82,483
82,119
82,073
38,460
34,747
35,142
9,817
8,699
8,568
Borough
130,760
125,960
125,388
As the Census is taken in April, it is usual to calculate the various rates on the mean
population, which is assumed to be that existing at the end of June or the middle of the year under
report. To arrive at this it is therefore necessary to estimate for a further three months, which in
Bermondsey is assumed to be a decrease.