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Health Department,
Town Hall,
Greenwich, S.E.10.
September, 1941.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Boroughof Greenwich.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my report for the year 1940. In
accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health, it again
presents in an abridged form a summary of the work performed by the
various sections of the department.
The fact that the incidence of infectious diseases has been
extremely low is a matter for gratification, especially in view of
the adverse circumstances during the latter part of the year.
The birth rate (15.7 per 1,000) was somewhat above that for
London as whole, and the death rate (17,5 per 1,000) considerably
higher than usual, due to the inclusion in the figure, of deaths
through enemy action. The infantile mortality rate was 56 per 1,000
births. The Registrar General's estimate of the population, namely
74,280 is a decrease of 20,510. In view of the fact that the
population must be regarded as fluctuating during the year, it is
difficult to present conclusive statistics.
The work of the District Sanitary Inspectors was necessarily
restricted, and towards the end of the year was mainly concentrated
on the many problems arising from war damage. Notwithstanding the
many difficulties, the routine sampling of food and drugs has been
carried out systematically, and every effort has been made to
maintain a high standard as regards sanitary circumstances generally.
Up to September, the Antenatal and Infant Welfare Centres
functioned normally, though on a restricted basis, because of the
evacuation of mothers and children. The Maternity Home, being still
closed, the 'Home Helps' scheme was utilised on an increasing scale.
Throughout the year, the volume of work entailed in Air Raid
Precautions, markedly increased. In July, a Welfare Centre, which
had been used as a Stretcher Party Depot, was again put into service,
and the Unit was re-housed in new quarters. By September, the
various aspects of the casualty services were consolidated, and
reorganised. Owing to the calling up of personnel, and necessary
continued recruitment, training had to be maintained in order to
keep the services up to the desired state of efficiency.
I should like to take the opportunity of again expressing my
warm appreciation of the very efficient manner in which the members
of my staff have carried out their onerous and responsible duties.
Finally, I desire to thank the Chairman and members of the
Public Health and Maternity Committee for the consideration shown
to me during the past year.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
F.R. WALDRON