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(5)
Statistical records for the year indicate that the health of the
public was maintained at a very satisfactory standard throughout the year,
and that Fulham is in a favourable condition compared with London
England & Wales. The incidence of Infectious Diseases and their allied
conditions has continued to decrease with the single exception of Measles,
In Fulham, as in many other areas,, a small number of cases (ll)
of Poliomyelitis occurred during the year, one proving fatal. It is
gratifying to record that not a single case of Diphtheria occurred during
the year. This reflects on the high percentage of the child population
which has always been immunised against Diphtheria in Fulham which was
70% at the end of the year.
The incidence of notified cases and deaths from Tuberculosis
again shows a decrease. Many cases now receive home treatment. This
home treatment with, the combination of home treatment on discharge from
hospital has resulted in a substantial reduction in the sanatorium waiting
list, though this list is still too large, and of the notified cases too
great a proportion still have to share a room with one or more other
persons.
The combination of circumstances in housing bringing about the
difficulties experienced in maintaining reasonable standards of fitness
in existing housing accommodation, which was referred to by Dr. Bennett
in his post-war Annual Reports, continues.
Whilst the number of cases calling for statutory action brought
to the notice of the Department decreased slightly compared with 1949, it
was found necessary to deal with an increased number of sanitary defects,
the rise being particularly noticeable in regard to those of a more
serious nature, e.g. leaking roofs and damp walls.
By comparison with pre-war years, officers of the Department,
continued to find It necessary to pay many more visits and deal with a
vastly increased correspondence in order to bring most cases to a satisfactory
conclusion. Despite these active steps, recourse to Court action continued
to be necessary in an unduly large number of cases. This meant that
deterioration of the premises concerned took place, often bringing about
further defects during the time lag between the date of service of the
original Sanitary Notices and the hearing of the cases at Court.
There are still a number of premises in the Borough not worth
maintaining which, nevertheless, have to be patched up to provide some sort
of accommodation during the housing shortage. I regard it as a great
step forward that at. the time of writing it appears a measure of slum
clearance may soon take place.