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Metropolitan Borough of Deptford.
Public Health Department,
Town Hall,
New Cross Road, S.E. 14.
July, 1922.
To His Worship the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Deptford.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you the Annual Report on the
Health of the Borough for the calendar year 1921. As I entered upon
my duties as Medical Officer of Health late in November, I have not
attempted to prepare a comprehensive report, though the usual full
statistical returns will be found embodied herein.
In the next Annual Health Report I shall endeavour to make a
full statement embracing the different phases of the activities of your
Health Department.
The rate of infant mortality for the year 1921 is again satisfactory;
though statistically greater than that for the year 1920, the actual
number of infants' deaths was less. The apparent increase was due to
the heavy fall in the birth-rate for 1921 as compared with 1920.
With our present staff of Health Visitors and also voluntary
workers, your Council may confidently look forward to an untiring battle
waged against those factors which take their toll of infant life.
Whilst paying such attention as we can in these times to housing
and respiratory diseases, it is upon the mother that we concentrate our
attention chiefly. If we continue to teach our mothers wisely and
patiently, our infant death-rate will continue to shrink.
During 1921, Dr. Gladys Ward threw herself with enthusiasm
into her work, and I am certain that many little lives owed their security
of tenure to her skill and tenacity of purpose.
The opening of the Municipal Maternity Home in Wickham Road
was only to be expected from a Council which takes a serious view of
its duty to expectant women, and children.