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Health. Department,
Town Hall,
Greenwich, S.E. 10.
31st July 1944.
To the Mayor, Aldermen & Councillors
of the metropolitan Borough of Greenwich.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies & Gentlemen,
The slight delay in issuing the abridged report on the health
of the Borough in 1943 is due to events arising in the course of
the current year which led to considerable interference with
routine Public Health duties, including preparation of this summary.
Except that the prevalence of certain of the infectious
diseases was, unaccountably, greater than in 1942, the year's
showing was satisfactory.
The birth-rate - 18.94 - was higher than the high 1925 rate of
18.92.
The death-rate was lower than that for 1942, and there was a
nil rate for maternal mortality.
The increase in the infant mortality rate to 42 per 1,000
births was traceable to an increase in ??? and respiratory
affections.
Part of the increase in infectious disease notifications was
due to the inclusion of scabies in the list.
The norsase in the number of cases to be dealt with
necessitated an increase in the number of Cleansing Clinics at the
Seamen's Hospital.
Considerable progress was made in the direction of increasing
the amount of accommodation in the War-time Nurseries, discussions
and work centring mainly around extensions to Conley treet and
Blackheath & Charlton Nurseries, and new provision at Pound Park
Road and Canberra Road.
Another direction in which progress was made was in the
provision of Welfare Centres at Rochester Way and Bardsley Lane,
to serve areas regarded as inadequately covered.
Steps also were taken to improve and extend dental clinic
provision in order to meet the increasing demand for attention on
the part of expectant and nursing mothers.
It gives me great pleasure to record how very much I have
appreciated the kindness I have received from the Chairman, ViceChairman,
and Members of the Public Health, Maternity and Child
•
Welfare Committee, and the readiness shown to consider favourable
and further any suggestions out forward.
The Department was short-handed throughout the year, but the
members of the Staff have done most excellent work and given me
much more than full support. I offer them gratitude and very
sincere thanks .
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies & Gentlemen,
Your Obedient Servent,
Charles Porter.
Acting Medical Officer of Health.