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Public Health Department,
Deptford Town Hall, S.E.14.
Telephone:—
TIDeway 1288 August, 1963.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Deptford.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am privileged to present this Report on the health and environmental
circumstances of Deptford for 1963.
The estimated population for mid year 1963 was 68,450, a reduction of
530 on last year which is in line with the local population trend during the
last decade. There was however, a gain of births over deaths of 816. The
number of deaths declined and the death rate was reduced from 11.69 to
11.18. The infant mortality rate however increased sharply from the low
figure of 17.63 to 24.65 and the peri-natal mortality rate, which is
perhaps the most reliable index of the general well-being of local newlyborn
infants, was again higher than last year. These rates fluctuate from
year to year and accurate conclusions can only be made over a period
when a general trend can be perceived. Analysing infant deaths it is
surprising how many die in hospital and from infections particularly of
the chest. The greater proportion of deaths however, were associated
with congenital malformations and prematurity, the causes of which are
as yet obscure and not readily amenable to preventive action.
Turning to infectious diseases, one notes the substantial number of
measles cases and sonne dysentery showed a considerable increase, 429
cases being notified, necessitating careful investigation and laborious
testing, not only of the patients but also of the families and close contacts
involved. No other infectious disease requires comment except to express
thanks to Dr. Rigby for his contribution which is always lively, interesting
and at times controversial. I could not, for instance, accept unreservedly
his oblique statements about the "sooty terraces of Deptford." Being an
industrial Borough, Deptford receives its due measure of atmospheric
pollutants, but reference to the grit and smoke analyses over the last 6-7
years indicates a very substantial improvement in the atmosphere. This
reference does less than justice to the exertions of the staff in connection
with the Clean Air Act and, in this respect, Deptford can bear favourable
comparison with any other Borough of like social and industrial pattern.
This year saw a great expansion of services for the elderly. A separate
Welfare Committee was constituted and an account of the early work of
the Committee is included in the main report. The laundry and home
bathing service showed a substantial increase as did the number of visits
paid to the homes of the frail elderly. Meals on Wheels and luncheon
clubs are now a direct Council service; there are three vehicles in service
and two lunch clubs. Plans are already advanced for four more luncheon
clubs and two more vehicles for meals on wheels and a target of about
150,000 meals per annum to old people will be reached next year. Holidays
for nearly 300 elderly, arranged by the Deptford Old People's Welfare
Association, were honoured by the Council and transport and other