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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.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present my Annual Report on the
health and sanitary circumstances of the Borough.
It was with great regret that the news of Dr. D. M. Connan's
death was received. He was, indeed, a man whose integrity earned
him respect from everyone who knew him and whose long service
to the Borough had done much to improve conditions in the area.
The immediate result of the implementation of the Rent Act,
1957, was to place a heavy burden on the staff, much of their time
having been spent in giving advice, and checking and assessing the
information available in regard to many properties. Insofar as
the Act itself is concerned, I am happy to say that there is no firm
evidence that its provisions have occasioned any great hardship
although, of course, this may not be apparent in some cases.
In the autumn an influenza epidemic caused considerable
sickness amongst the population although, in the absence of
notification, no exact idea of the incidence was obtainable. There
was, however, no evidence to suggest that it in any way seriously
influenced the death rate.
A scheme for the registration of old people was initiated
but, owing to insufficient staff, there were many setbacks. Despite
this, however, contact has been made with many old people and
help given to them in many ways.
Some alteration has been made in the arrangement and
presentation of this report and it is hoped that this will help in
demonstrating the work of the department in guarding the health
of the community.
To the Public Health Committee and my staff I would like
to express my thanks for their help and encouragement in the
difficult task of picking up many threads, particularly as I am but
the humble successor to such a master as the late Dr. Connan.
I am, Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
B. J. L. MOSS.