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6
Deaths from tuberculosis numbered 86, of which 7 were of the nonpulmonary
form.
Death rates for all forms of tuberculosis and for the pulmonary form
alone steadily increased from 1938 until 1941, but have dropped appreciably
in 1942. With the exception of one year, the records show no death rate
comparable with that of 1941 since the years immediately following the last
war. Over the same period the death rate for the non-pulmonary forms
of the disease shows the same trend except for an initial drop in 1939.
Notification rates for all forms of tuberculosis and for the pulmonary
form alone show a gradual increase since 1938, after an initial drop in
1939, and this increase is continued in 1942. The non-pulmonary notification
rate has fluctuated but is considerably higher in 1941 and 1942 than in
1939 and 1940.
In view of the changes which have occurred in the (population of the
borough during the war, both in numbers and in age and sex distribution,
it would be unwise to accept the statistics for these years as strictly comparable
with the corresponding figures for pre-war years, yet it is obvious
that there has been a considerable increase in the incidence of tuberculosis
during the war and, while regarding with satisfaction the lower death rate
for 1942, the continued increase in the notification rate must be borne in
mind.
It is satisfactory to note that there is no increased proportion of notifications
among females aged 15 to 34, as might have been expected, with
the increased entry of this group into industry, but it is noteworthy that
there has been, in 1942, a marked increase of notifications of tuberculosis
(all forms) in children under 5 years of age, although, with such a small
group, it is necessary as yet to view any deductions based upon the fact
with reserve.
Extra nourishment was provided during the financial year ended
31st March, 1943, for 39 necessitous dispensary patients at a cost of approximately
£138.
The number of new patients attending at the Dispensary was 717.
Of these 424 were discharged as "non-tuberculous," 170 were found to be
suffering from the disease and 123 were still under observation. The total
number of attendances during the year was 5,208. Home visits to the
number of 4,013 were paid (320 by Tuberculosis Officer and 3,693 by the
nursing staff). 170 patients received institutional treatment, the average
length of stay being 55 days.
The Handicraft Class was held on 50 occasions during the year with
an average attendance of 6.
Cancer.—197 deaths of Battersea residents were recorded.
Sanitary Circumstances.
The Inspectorial staff were to a large extent engaged on special duties
in relation to bombed dwellings, displaced tenants, air-raid shelters, etc.
The number of dwelling houses inspected therefore shows an increase on
previous years, but in general the usual work of the department in relation