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vii.
as sanitation,—a word which is wrongly thought to embrace only nuisances
and the like—but that in the era which opened with the twentieth century
it also seriously concerns itself with the persons who have been attacked
as well as with the diseases themselves, so that the patients may be cured
and the diseases prevented. In the last few years sanitary authorities have
been asked to interest themselves in infantile diseases, and in tuberculosis, and
before this report appears in print they or the London County Council will
probably be called on to unite with other authorities in mitigating the evil
results of those so-called social diseases—the extent of which is scarcely
recognised—which for years have been sapping the vitals of the people. I
am anxious that your Borough shall play its part in this modern public health
work, which some years ago I told you was approaching. It will most
certainly result in preventing disease and death and in ensuring a stronger and
healthier race, on whose shoulders will rest the burden of that great Empire
which will be their heritage.
With regard to child sickness and mortality, you have been told that this
is a work which should be undertaken by philanthropic agencies. I must
remind the Council, however, that a very great deal has been, and is being,
done by them by means of general hospitals, children's hospitals, maternity
and child welfare centres, creches, and similar agencies, which are practically,
if not entirely, supported by voluntary funds. Nevertheless, Sanitary Authorities
have their part to perform, and that is to assist mothers to get into
touch with these agencies at the right time, whether before or after the birth of
their children, so that they may derive advantage from them ; and also to provide
instructors so that mothers may be taught how best to nurse and rear their
children, to prepare food for them and to arrange their homes, and, in fact, to
do many things which, combined, might well be called home hygiene. It
would enable parents, and especially young parents, to bring up children
on wholesome food and in healthy homes. Believe me, such instruction would
contribute largely to diminish sickness and mortality among infants and
young children. It could best be given by health visitors, who up to now—
although sorely needed—have been lacking in Islington.
I am,
Your faithful servant,
July lst, 1916.
Medical Officer of Health.