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page 5.
This must be an indication that if the population of St.
Pancras increases with the return of our men and women from
the services there will be an additional need for an
intensification of Maternity and Child Welfare services.
The infantile mortality rate has fallen from 71 per
thousand in 1943 to 64 in 1944, but in 1939 it was only 52.
It is hardly for me after so short a period to comment
on the health of the borough compared to its standard before
and during the war, but I know I am Justified in saying that
for an area that has suffered so badly from war damage as St.
Pancras and where housing conditions are so bad, it is at
least surprising and indeed a source of congratulation that
by and large the health of the district has been maintained
at a standard comparable with that throughout the country.
I know I Join with every member of the Council in
looking forward to. years of peace in which v/e shall see the
growth, of first class health services in the borough and I
believe that now Is the time when land should be chosen and
a plan agreed for the future.
The health of a district depends largely upon the kindness
and enthusiasm of its general practitioners, to whom in the
first place it is customary for the public to go with their
fears of disease and their problems of health. It is only
fitting that in this report there should be an acknowledgment
of the services that the general practitioners of St. Pancras
have rendered in this past year and in particular during the
war years when they helped not only at our Centres and Clinics
but at our First Aid Posts and our Shelters. Their availability
at all times in years of strain and over-work Is deserving of
the deepest gratitude of the borough. For their welcome to me
and their co-operation I am also deeply grateful.
I would ask the members of the Health Committee and of
the Council generally, to accept my sincere thanks for the
cordial welcome they have given me to the borough and for the
courtesy I have received from them. I would also extend the
same thanks to my colleagues for their assistance and
co-operation. Lastly, this report would not be complete
without acknowledging the help of my staff, so much appreciated
In the difficult task of commencing my duties.
I an, your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
DENNIS H. GEFFEN
Medical Officer of Health.