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To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Saint Pancras.
Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is the 87th Annual Report. In accordance with the
Ministry of Health's instructions it is in an abridged form
dealing only with essential statistical information.
It is with deep regret that the death of Dr. Radford has to
be recorded. He fell fell in May 1943, was given prolonged sick
leave and died in January 1944. As the Deputy I have administered
the Department during his illness and since his death. The
wholehearted loyalty of tne staff has enabled me to maintain an
efficient service singlehanded and in face of many wartime
difficulties. I very much appreciate this valuable co-operation.
A brief review of the Report reveals several interesting
facts. There has been a further rise in the birth rate.
Unfortunately this increase was largely accounted for by a marked
rise in illegitimate births. The mortality rate among these .
illegitimate babies showed a welcome reduction for this year,
but was still much higher than the rate for legitimate babies.
There was a slight rise in the death rates at all ages
including infants.
There was a marked and increased use of the Maternity &
Child Welfare services provided by the Authority. The attendances
at the various clinics were all up for the year and the Health
Visitors paid many more home visits. Additional clinics had to
be organised and authorised to meet the demands of mothers and
children.
The accommodation for children in the War-time Nurseries
was extended. It is a pleasing feature of this work to be able
to state that the children coming under this scheme had a
remarkably healthy record for the year and furthermore the
majority seemed to derive great benefit from their attendance.
The percentage of successful vaccinations among babies was
the highest for a number of years.
The Diphtheria Immunisation scheme continued to protect a
large proportion of the young population against this serious
disease