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6
Public Health Department,
Town Hall,
Bethnal Green, E.2.
23rd April, 1934.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Bethnal Green.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my annual report relative to the
Public Health work of the Metropolitan Borough of Bethnal Green.
The general death rate at all ages from all causes was 12.5
per thousand of the population.
The Infant Mortality Rate for the year shows a reduction,
being 66.3 per thousand births as against 69.1 for 1932. The
comparative rates for ten years are given on page 28. These
figures give no grounds for either optimism or pessimism but rather
indicate that we should be unrelaxing in our efforts. It is so easy
to be satisfied with results. We may be "looking through rosecoloured
glasses" when suddenly we are awakened out of our
complacence. Such an experience may be realised when the
results of the 1934 measles epidemic have been analysed.
The Maternal Mortality Rate was 1.3 per 1000 births.
I should like to draw attention to the continued toll of
deaths resulting from street accidents, full particulars and discussion
of which are given on page 31.
There was an increase in notifications of Diphtheria from
355 cases in the previous year to 488 in 1933 while cases of Scarlet
Fever increased from 590 cases to 786. The increased incidence
in both diseases was general in London. There were 11 cases of
Smallpox as against 25 in 1932.
The annual report of the Public Analyst shows a slight
decrease in the number of adulterated samples although the total
number of samples examined was slightly more than in 1932.
I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my gratitude
to the members of the Health Committee for their encouraging help
and courtesies. My thanks are also extended to my colleagues in
other departments for their many kindnesses and willing cooperation.
It is also my duty and pleasure to record my indebtedness
to the office staff, to all those embraced under the heading of
sanitary inspection, to the medical and health visiting staff,
including Tuberculosis, and all workers under the Maternity and
Child Welfare scheme for their efficient service, co-operation and
loyalty which are cardinal factors in the promotion and maintenance
of smooth administration.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
Vynne Borland.