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To the Mayor > .aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Finsbury.
Mr* M yor, L.dies and Gentlemen,
I h.ve pleasure in submitting herewith the Annual Report ef the
work of the Puulic Health Department during 1942. Qace a t ain this Rg ,ort
takes the form of an interim statement as suggested by the Minister of
Health and on grounds of national security total population figures are
not quoted.
In the absence of Dr. C.O.S. Blyth Brooke I have prepared this
Report in my capacity as Acting Medical Officer of Health though my
responsibility for the De :artment extended over the last three months of
the year only.
It is difficult to comment on the birth and death rate figures
owing to the altered circumstances occasioned by the war, both rates being
above those applicable to the country as a whole. Although the total number
of infant deaths (2C) is small it represents a rate of 64 per 1000 live
births, comparing unfavourably with the figures for the rest of the country.
Deaths from pneumonia and enteritis appear to represent the greater proportion
of the more obviously preventable deaths in this group. On the other hand
deaths from infectious diseases are few and the results of the diphtheria
immunisation campaign gratifying and hopeful.
A feature of the work of the department during the year was the
opening of four war-time nurseries and planning of further expansion of
this work.
Several summonses under the Food and Drugs Act were withdrawn
owing to the unsatisfactory position regarding the laying down of standards
particularly in relation to fruit drinks.
arrangements were made for a comprehensive bacteriological and
pathological service with the London County Council supplementary to work
carried out at the laboratory in the Health Centre.
Mrs. S. J. Hewlett, Superintendent of the Pino Street Maternity and
Child Welfare Centre, after 25 years' loyal service with the Council, resigned
during the year for health reasons. Mrs. Hewlett's many friends wish her a
speedy recovery and an enjoyable retirement.
I wish to place on record my thanks to the Members of the Public
Health and Maternity and Child Welfare Cafftiittees for their assistance and to
the entire staff for their co-operation and enthusiasm in carrying out the
work of the department in spite of tho many difficulties which have arisen
as a result of the war.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant