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5
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Batter sea.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you my Annual Report on
the Health and Sanitary condition of the Borough during 1936.
Whilst the health of the Borough continues to be good, there
has been a slight increase in the general death rate, and a more
marked increase in the Tuberculosis death rate, as compared with
the previous year. It is pleasing, however, to be able to record a
considerable reduction in the infantile mortality rate and a slight
increase in the birth rate.
The Council s Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme has been
further strengthened during the year by the establishment of a
Toddlers' Clinic on a basis which will probably call for extension
in the future ; and in order still further to meet the health requirements
of the pre-school child, Dr. M. J. O'Flynn, who had previously
acted as part-time Assistant for Tuberculosis, was appointed a
full-time officer in order to devote the remainder of her time to
Maternity and Child Welfare work. In addition, the Council
decided to appoint in 1937 two more Health Visitors.
During the year, the Council accepted the facilities offered by
the London County Council at St. James' Hospital for the X-ray
examination of patients suffering or suspected to be suffering from
Tuberculosis, and also for the carrying out of artificial pneumothorax
refills in patients undergoing this form of treatment. X-ray
examination had previously been carried out at St. Thomas's
Hospital, and I should like to take this opportunity of expressing
my appreciation of the invaluable assistance rendered over a period
of years in this and other directions in connection with the
Tuberculosis Scheme of the Borough by Dr. G. T. Hebert,
Physician-in-charge of the Tuberculosis Department there.
Much valuable work has been carried out in Housing matters
generally during the year, both in the erection of new houses and
in dealing with the repair of unfit houses, and considerable progress
has been made in the re-housing of over-crowded families.
In presenting this Report I have pleasure in recording my
appreciation of the support given me by the Mayor, the Chairmen
of the Health and Housing Committees and the Members of the
Council, and of the assistance given to me by the Chief Officers.
My best thanks, also, are due to Mr. Ward, Chief Clerk of the
Public Health Department, who has, as in previous years, prepared
the material for this Report, and to the whole of the Staff for
their loval support and efficient service.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) G. MACDONALD,
Electric House, Medical Officer of Health.
Lavender Hill, S.W. 11.
June, 1937.