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Borough of Bermondsey.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Borough of
Bermondsey.
Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report for the year
1938. As a measure of economy comment has been strictly
limited, but while this is so I am justified in drawing attention
here to three record low rates which the statistics reveal. The
Death Rate for the year is 11.0 as compared with 20.8 for the first
year of the century (1901) ; the rate for 1938 is the lowest so far
recorded. A similar low record has to be noted also in connection
with Pulmonary Tuberculosis, the death rate for this disease
being 0.68. The Infantile Mortality Rate for the year is 45 ; this
is a most encouraging figure. Last year's rate was 59, and the
lowest figure previously recorded was 56 in 1932, while in 1901 the
rate was 169. I think the Council, and the Members of Committees
in particular, should find cause for congratulation in this
record, and I take the opportunity of thanking them again for the
support accorded to the Department during the year. Perhaps I
may also be permitted to record my regret at the untimely loss of
Mrs Starr, who, though not a member of the Council, was for
many years one of the most faithful and assiduous members of the
Committee.
I am, Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
D. M. CONNAN.