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Public Health Department,
Deptford Town Hall, S.E.14.
Telephones:—
TIDeway 1288.
TIDeway 1360.
June, 1962.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Deptford.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have pleasure in reporting on the health and environmental circumstances
of Deptford for 1961. A broad survey of vital statistics indicates
continued general improvement throughout the Borough, although there
is one aspect in relation to housing which deserves particular mention.
Once again the population has declined although the Birth Rate has
increased from 18.78 to 20.2. Infant deaths are reduced and the new
Infantile Mortality Rate is 22.69. As a balance to the larger number of
births it must be observed that the Death Rate also increased from 11.11
to 11.64. The main causes of death continue to be heart disease, especially
coronary thrombosis, and malignancy with particular reference to neoplasm
of lung and bronchus. It should also be noted that bronchitis
accounted for a not inconsiderable number of deaths especially among
the elderly. A study of mortality statistics over the last decade indicates
that while diseases due to infection have been almost eliminated, the
degenerative diseases and malignancy continue to increase. This is partly
due to the larger numbers of the population reaching the age where these
ailments are prevalent but there may be other genetic or environmental
factors, as yet unexplained, to account for this undoubted trend.
Notifications of Infectious Diseases increased from 388 to 1,553 of
which figure Measles accounted for 1,400. There was little dysentery in
the Borough but one case of diphtheria concerning a child attending a
Deptford school was notified and I have included in the body of the report
a full account of the action which this Department took in conjunction
with the London County Council. Pulmonary Tuberculosis increased
from 80 to 97. There were 13 new cases and 21 transferred cases at
Carrington House and it is of some significance that one in seven of new
cases emanated from this Common Lodging House. The Chest Physician,
Dr. Rigby, has kindly contributed a brief outline of the work of the Chest
Clinic. He mentions chronic bronchitis as a particular problem in Britain.
No precise statistics are available since chronic bronchitis is not, of course,
notifiable but a study of National Health claims indicates clearly the
seriousness of this disabling condition. What are the underlying causes
and how can the position be improved ? Nothing can be done about the
climate but something could be done about improving the warmth and
comfort of housing. Secondly, a drastic reduction in cigarette smoking
would not only reduce bronchitis but reduce greatly the incidence of lung
cancer. Thirdly, the removal of smoke and noxious irritants from the
atmosphere would effect material improvement. These are measures
which are within our immediate competence to apply.
As far as atmospheric pollution is concerned, this Borough, in conjunction
with other local authorities, is pressing ahead with a planned