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METROPOLITAN BOROUGH OF FULHAM
Public Health Department,
Town Hall,
Fulham, S.W.6.
September, 1947.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Fulham.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present the Annual Report on the
health of the Borough for the year 1946 which has been generally
satisfactory - as can be seen from the statistical records in the
report. The report on the instruction of the Ministry of Health,
follows the abbreviated, form that has been submitted during the past
few years.
The Registrar General's estimate shows that the population
of the borough is slowly coming back to the pre-war figure, no
doubt due in a large measure to the return of previous residents
from the country and other areas after war-time evacuation, and to
the increased birth rate which this year reached 21.4 per 1,000 of
the population; the highest rate since 1921. The mid-year
population is shown to total 116,870, an increase of 17,080 over the
previous year's figure.
I should like also to draw attention to the Infantile
Mortality rate of 39 P e r 1,000 live births, which is three lower
than last year, and the lowest rate on record for the Borough of
Fulham.
The year under review has been a quiet one from the point
of view of infectious disease, and the main difficulties appear to
be concerned with housing dilapidations and repair of insanitary
conditions due to extreme shortages in materials of many kinds,
labour etc.
Many of the houses in Fulham were, even before the war,
getting worn out, and enemy activity during the bombing periods has
increased the defects, which are becoming more and more apparent.
Owing to all these adverse factors the operation of the Housing and
Public Health Acts has been very difficult to carry out to the proper
extent; particularly one could mention overcrowding, and in addition
the lack of accommodation has made it a very trying time for young
married people endeavouring to find homes.
The housing survey of the borough has been steadily proceeded
with, and a careful record made of various areas which, at a
future date, could be scheduled for action under Sections 3 5 of
the Housing Act. It is impossible to foretell at the present time
when this is likely to be commenced, but the aim should be to deal
with these areas as an urgent priority scheme, due regard being
given to the necessary displacements of population and re—housing of
same.
The establishment of the Foot Clinic in Fulham Road on a
full-time basis has had the greatest success, so much so that I feel
that the time is ripe to extend the service even further, and if
possible to organise branch clinics on a part-time basis for the
convenience of residents in remoter parts of the borough who find
some difficulty in getting to the one central establishment.
Some changes have occurred in the medical staff during the
past year - Dr. Shanna Wright, Dr. Dowds and Dr, Harrison having
all resigned from service in the Maternity and Child Welfare Department
at the Maternity Home a various periods of service; and