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Public Health Department
Town Hall, S.E.10.
July 1945.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In accordance with the instructions of the Minister of
Health, the report on the health of the Borough in 1944 is a
summary only. In the main it reveals that from the health point
of view, in spite of the real hardships so many of the population
were called upon to endure, in the matter of housing in particular,
conditions were rather more than satisfactory.
One rate which showed an increase was that of Infant
Mortality,, which went up from 42 to 52 per 1,000 births. The
chief contributors to the increase were the respiratory diseases,
for the occurrence of which, in a number of cases, unsatisfactory
housing accommodation as well as climate was responsible.
The birth-rate at 18.98 was slightly in excess of that
(18.94) for 1943.
The situation in relation to the Infectious Diseases was
more favourable than in 1943, none of those cases classed as
"commoner" showing any marked prevalence. Scabies cases were
still numerous, and the call on the services provided at the
Cleansing Station continued to be heavy.
During the year the additional Maternity and Child Welfare
facilities provided at the new Centres in Rochester Way and at the
Coroner's Court in Bardsley Lane were widely used and greatly
appreciated. Here, as at other Centres, arrangements were made
for carrying on a Foot Clinic under the direction of the full-time
Chiropodist, who was appointed during the year, and has been given
every encouragement to develop this most useful branch of the
Welfare work of the Council.
At the three War-time Nurseries alterations and additions
which had been in hand at the end of 1943 were completed during 1944,
and as a result it became possible to give better service to the
children of the many mothers engaged in munitions and other work
of National importance.
Once more I wish to express my great appreciation of the
kindness and encouragement I have received from the Chairman, ViceChairman,
and Members of the Public Health, Maternity and Child
Welfare Committee. With real pleasure and gratitude I record that
on all occasions ready and favourable consideration was given to
any suggestions put forward, and every facility offered to put into
operation and further any accepted as suitable for adoption.
The shortness of staff referred to in previous War-time
reports continued. To those who remain I offer most sincere thanks
for the support they have given and congratulations on the
excellent results obtained so largely on account of their efforts.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
CHARLES PORTER.
Acting Modical Officer of Health.