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Although there were no serious outbreaks of infectious disease,
1 feel that I ought to refer to the large number of cases of Measles
and Whooping Cough that occurred. The cases of measles were
probably rather more seriously ill than in recent epidemics, but
recovery was mostly full and rapid and the disease more an
inconvenience than a threat to health. On the other hand Whooping
Cough is always liable to affect adversely the sufferers, and is now
the most serious infectious disease in its effects on communal health.
The very high relative notification rate 10.2 per 1,000 as against 3.6
for the country is, I am convinced, due in considerable part at least
to the ready diagnostic facilities available.
The publication by the Registrar General of the 1951 Census
returns during the year has provided detailed information regarding
the Borough which is invaluable for purposes of comparison with
other districts and for measuring the progress in Health and
improvement in the environment. The department had been
hampered by not having had such data available for many years.
Some of the more important information is reproduced in this report.
It is seen that there are 1,544 or 9 per cent. of men over 65 and 3,293
or 18 per cent. of women over 60—altogether 4,837 persons or 14
per cent. of the population of the pensionable ages. The relief of
overcrowding has been more dramatic than many persons have
realised. The number of persons living at a density of more than
2 per room which is an accepted index was 29.4 in 1931 and is now
only 3.4 although it is still above the average for London which is 2.5.
Once again it is with pleasure that I acknowledge the continued
and generous support of the Chairman and Members of the Health
and other Committees of the Council and the loyal help and
co-operation of my staff. To all I am greatly indebted and offer
my sincere thanks.
I have the honour to be
Your obedient Servant,
C. O. S. BLYTH BROOKE,
Medical Officer of Health.