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Report of the Medical Officer of health.
Public Health Department,
35, Brunswick Square, S.E.5.
June 30th, 1924.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell.
Ladies and Gentlemen, —I have the honour to submit
to you the annual report on the health and sanitary condition
of the Borough for the year 1923.
It is compiled in accordance with the Ministry of
Health's directions conveyed in their circular No. 451, issued
December 15th, 1923.
The health of the Borough continues to be satisfactory.
There is a 2·4 decrease in the death rate, which is 11.0 as
compared with 13.4 in 1922.
During the first 9 months of the year the number of
deaths was remarkably low, and the increased number of
deaths during the last quarter is accounted for by the number
of deaths from respiratory diseases which cold and fog always
bring.
The infantile death rate showed a marked decrease of
22 points, 56 as compared with 78 in 1922. This is the lowest
rate ever recorded in the Borough.
Although economy has been the watchword during the
year, this economy has not been allowed to interfere with
efficiency and progression relating to health services. It is
generally agreed that economy in Public Health administration
would be a false economy and might lead to a loss in
human health and life.
The outstanding event during the year was the provision
of a Municipal maternity ward in the St. Giles' Hospital,
Brunswick Square.
I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my
thanks to the Chairmen and Members of the Public Health,
Maternity and Child Welfare and Housing Committees for
the assistance they have afforded me.
I desire also to place on record my appreciation of the
work of the staff of the department, who have at all times
under difficult circumstances, accorded to me their loyal and
unselfish co-operation.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
H. W. BARNES.
Medical Officer of Health.