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10
The Infant Mortality Rate for the Borough measured by the
number of deaths under one year to 1.000 births registered, is 87
compared with 66 last year, and 63 the average for the last ten years.
The Infant Mortality Rate for the County of London is 67 ;
that for 121 large towns, 63.
The total number of deaths arising from the class known as
the Common Infectious Diseases was 60 as compared with 43 for the
previous year. This Death Rate is .61 per 1.000 of the population.
There is still a considerable amount of overcrowding in spite of
the number of houses erected in the Borough by the Borough
Council and by private enterprise. The progress of the Council's
Housing Schemes is indicated in the Report. During the year the
appointment of a temporary Housing Inspector was created a permanent
one and to deal more effectively with the sanitary conditions
of the Borough, the Public Health Committee is considering the
appointment of 2 additional Inspectors to commence duty early in
1935.
Maternity and Child Welfare work has continued to grow in
extent and usefulness. A new combined Infant Welfare and
Artificial Sunlight Centre was completed in December and was
opened early in the New Year. A weekly clinic for " toddlers " is
new held at Shooter's Hill Road and Borough Hall Centres and is
proving very successful.
The Infant Mortality is higher this year than it has been for
some time past. Fluctuations in this rate are to be expected and the
causes of the increased rate this year are referred to in the body of
the Report.
In conclusion I would again take this opportunity of expressing
my indebtedness to the Chairman and members of the Public Health,
Maternity and Child Welfare Committee for the help and consideration
given me, and my sincere thanks are also given to every
member of the staff of the Department for their assistance and cooperation
in carrying out the duties of my office.
I have the honour to be
Your obedient Servant.
M. Macdonald.