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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 1937.
A summary of the principal statistics for the year is given
on page 7. It will be noted that the birth rate is somewhat higher
and the death rate slightly lower than for the previous year. The
maternal mortality rate is also lower, and it is pleasing to note
that no maternal death was recorded during the year as due to
puerperal sepsis. The infant mortality rate, unfortunately, has
risen to a figure which is the highest recorded since the year 1921,
and I have made some comments on this in the text (page 14).
There is every reason to think that the infant death rate for the year
is an abnormal one, and is unlikely to continue at this high level.
I have no special comments to make on the general work of
the Public Health Department, which is fully set out in the text
of the Report, and which indicates the extent of the health services
rendered to the Borough by the Council.
I wish to thank the Mayor and Members of the Borough Council,
and more particularly the Chairman and Members of the Public
Health and Housing Committees, for the continued encouragement
and assistance that I have received from them during the year.
I gratefully acknowledge, also, the help I have received from the
Chief Officers of the Council and the loyal service so readily
rendered by the whole staff of the Public Health Department.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) G. MACDONALD,
Medical Officer of Health.
Electric House,
Lavender Hill, S.W. 11.
June, 1938.