View report page

CAM 49
Public Health Department,
Town Hall,
Camberwell, S.E.5.
31st August, 1955.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell.
Mr. Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors,
I have pleasure in presenting this Annual Report on the
state of the public health in the Borough of Camberwell during
1954.
There were no major epidemics or outbreaks of any
dangerous infectious disease, and it is gratifying to report that
the general death rate, the maternal and infantile mortality
rates are the lowest ever recorded in Camberwell.
The health of the inhabitants was maintained at a satisfactory
level, a fact that is due in no small measure to the efficiency
and vigilance of my predecessor, Dr. H. W. Barnes, who retired
on the 30th May, 1954.
Dr. Barnes capable supervision of the public health
services during his 34 years as Medical Officer of Health is
deserving of the highest praise. He was one of the pioneers
of Diphtheria Immunisation, and the Personal Health Services,
which passed to the control of the London County Council in
1948, were built up under his astute guidance. Camberwell has
much for which to thank him. The difficult task of maintaining
the high standard he set is nevertheless rendered easier by the
work and improvements he has already effected.
One of the major duties which devolved upon the Public
Health Department during the year was the housing survey,
resulting from the passing of the Housing Repairs and Rents
Act, 1954. The issue of Certificates of Disrepair under the
provisions of this Act also imposed a considerable increase of
work, details of which are set out in the appropriate section of
this Report.
Improved technique in the elimination of rats and mice was
instituted during the year with very satisfactory results and at
the request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries further
experiments were authorised by the Public Health Committee.