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The only significant feature of a study of the table of the causes of death
is that of the death rate from pulmonary tuberculosis,namely, 1.42 (Reg.-General's
estimate) or 1.56 (M.O.H.'s estimate). The corresponding figures for the years
1937-1940 were 1.00, 0.62, 0.65, and 1.54 respectively.
SECTION B - GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES.
Staff.- After many years of service with the Finsbury Borough Council
Bilham, Essistant administrative officer, resigned on attaining the age of 60. His
wide experience and courteous manner had endeared him to members of the Council as
well as of other staff and his presence was greatly missed. His efficient assistance
in the administration of the Public Health Department had become recognised
far and wide.
Mr. E.A. Norman, senior sanitary inspector, resigned after 40 years
of service with the Finsbuy Borough Council on attaining the age of 60. During
his service he was able to lead and witness great developments of Public Health
measures, in many of which he took an active part.
Appointments during the year include (1) Zv. Obermer as Assistant
Medical Officer for Shelter Health; (2) Dr. R.Woolf as Assistant Medical Officer of
Health for Maternity and child Welfare; and (3) Mr. H. No /dick aS Senior Sanitary
Inspector.
General.- The general provisions of the public health services in the borough
remained substantially the same as in previous years, During the early part of
the year there was some diminution of the work undertaken, but during the latter
part of the year when continuous air raiding had ceased, the extent of the work
increased and became greater than before the war.
On account of the great increase in the incidence of scabies
improved conditions were established in the Cleansing Station towards the end of
the year, including the appointment of a nurse to supervise the treatment and to
carry out the necessary home visiting.
Maternity & Child Welfare.- No change took place in the general provisions
of the midwifery service, but a large number of expectant mothers were evacuated
for their confinements.
The municipal and voluntary centres remained, open throughout the
year and all the ancillary services available. During the early part of the year a
considerable proportion of mothers and young children were evacuated, but later, as
bombing became reduced in intensity, large numbers returned to Finsbury and attendances
at the centres returned to normal figures.
The Ministry of Food Scheme for milk to expectant and nursing
mothers and children under 5 continued in operation, and supplemental grants were
made by the Council in the same categories of cases as in previous years. National
Dried Milk was issued under both schemes from the municipal centres. Towards the
end of the year the distribution of vitamin preparations was also undertaken in
these and certain of the voluntary centres on behalf of the Ministry of Food. Extra
clothing coupons for expectant mothers were distributed from the Public Health Dept
on behalf of the Board of Trade.
The regular visitation of expectant mothers and of children under 5
was continued by the Health Visitors and during the year 13,086 visits were paid by
the Council staff, and 1,662 by those attached to certain voluntary organisations.
The council's Nursery formerly at Lioyd Baker Street was maintained
as a residential nursery by the Gloucestershire County Council. It was transferred
in the Spring to premises at Bown Hill Farm, Woodchester. These proved very satisfactory
and the conditions for the children excellent, in autumn, the council
determined upon the policy of opening war-time nurseries in Finsbury.
SECTION C - INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD & DRUGS
Continuous inspection of food and of food premises was maintained during the
year and 709 samples, including 27 of milk, were taken for submission to the Public