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4
GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES.
General Statistics.
The population of the Borough is now higher than in any of
the post war years. The tendency to overcrowd dormitory
areas within the County of London appears to be almost
unchecked.
No epidemic resulting in high mortality occurred during
the year. Apart from Poliomyelitis, infectious disease has
been of a mild nature and deaths resulting from it have also
been at a minimum.
Vital Statistics.
The infant mortality rate is a new low record, and is now
28 infants for every thousand births. The trend towards
greater saving of infant life thus continues to limits hitherto
thought almost unobtainable.
As no lower death rate (11.0) has ever been recorded, the
position becomes comparable to that in many other parts of
the country where less children are dying, and more people are
living longer.
The biggest "killers" are still diseases affecting the heart
and important blood vessels, and cancer. It is gratifying,
however, to report that during the last ten years the cancer
death rate has not increased, but has remained stationary
(see table in Statistical Supplement). This, perhaps, is one of
few bright spots in the gloomy picture of our failure to master
this disease.
Infant Mortality.
The number of infant deaths was 55 as against 75 in 1948.
The tendency, therefore, towards an even lower infant mortality
rate appears to be continued. It may be felt of interest to
refer, in the Statistical Supplement, to the figures dealing
with infant mortality since the beginning of the present
century. No better picture could be had of the improvement
which has taken place.
Maternal Mortality.
Only two maternal deaths occurred during the year.
Sanitary Inspection.
The year was notable for the decision to appoint six new
Inspectors. The first three of those to be appointed were
scheduled for work as District Inspectors. This would produce
11 districts as against the 8 districts which had been adequate
since 1914. It was decided to appoint two further Inspectors
in order to carry out a house-to-house survey of the Borough.
These two appointments will be of a temporary nature.