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(6)
death to which I desire to call attention other than Tuberculosis (see
later).
The maternal mortality was 1.3, but it must be remembered that
this figure is subject to very wide fluctuations because of the small
population of the Borough and represents one death only. This was not
from any condition recognized as preventable.
Infant mortality was 32, the lowest rate hitherto recorded in
Finsbury and follows the steep downward gradient which has occurred since
1917, when the rate was 118. Even the rate for illegitimate infants,
it may be noted with pleasure, was only 47.
The stillbirth rate also fell to 1.6% of the total births.
The Tuberculosis death rate, however, was 1.25, which is a
slight increase on the previous two years, hen it was 1.07 and 0.96.
On the other hand, an unusually large number of these deaths were among
those aged over 65, namely 275%, to the relief of the numbers aged 45 to
65.
Apart from Poliomyelitis there was no unusual incidonce of
infectious disease and the incidence of Scabies and verminous conditions
became almost nogligible.
Speaking generally, from these statistics one may reasenably
believe that the health of the community remained satisfactory and this
was confirmed by personal impressions which supported this view in regard
to Physical Health. Unfortunately they also led to the conclusion that
joy and happiness in life, which have an important bearing on Mental
Health, were depressed owing to the frustration caused by the slow
amelioration of unsatisfactory environmental conditions.
Some progress was made during the year in securing remedies for
the overcrowded and unsatisfactory housing conditions in the Borough, but
was admittedly very slow, not only on account of the continued shortage of
labour and materials, but also on account of the outworn and outdated .
character of so many of the buildings which remain well nigh unrepairable
and impossible to modernize at a reasonable cost and have long been ripe
for demolition.
The Personal Health Services continued to provide for many of the
needs of the Borough. Some extension of the Domestic Help Services,
particularly for the aged, took place.
The purity and hygiene of food sold received careful attention
and no serious case of adulteration was discovered.
I have to thank the members of the several committees for their
continued and generous support and the members of my staff for their ready
help and assistance.
I have the honour to be
Your obedient servant,
C.O.S.Blyth Brooke,
Medical Officer of Health.