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PREFACE.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Metropolitan
Borough of Lewisham.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present the Annual Report for the year
1935, on the Health and Sanitary condition of the Borough, this
being the thirty-fifth of the series.
An examination of the statistical figures contained therein shows
that the health of the Borough remains satisfactory. The corrected
death rate from all causes amounted to 10 per thousand of the
population compared with 10.1 in the previous year.
The Infant Mortality rate was 43 per thousand births, the same
as in 1934. The rate for the County of London was 58 per thousand
births.
The birth rate was 12.5 per thousand, a slight increase on 1934,
when it was 12.2 per thousand-
The death rate from Pulmonary Tuberculosis was 0.58 per
thousand, the same as in 1934. There was a decrease in the incidence
of Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria, 830 cases of Scarlet Fever being
notified, compared with 1,277 for 1934, and 314 cases of Diphtheria,
as against 473 in the previous year.
A scheme for immunisation of children against diphtheria came
into operation in June.
The Maternity and Child Welfare services were extended during
the year by the provision of an additional session at the Downham
Infant Welfare Centre and the establishment of an Infant Welfare
Centre in Brockley. These additional services necessitated the
appointment of Dr. Evelyn Davies on a full time basis.
Building operations in connection with the erection of the New
Maternity and Child Welfare Clinic and Tuberculosis Dispensary, on
the Priory site, were also commenced.
Slum clearance proceeded during the year, and a survey of
certain areas of the Borough was commenced in connection with
sections 1 and 2 of the Housing Act, 1935, to ascertain the extent of
overcrowding.
It is a pleasure to again record my appreciation of the kind
consideration accorded me by the Chairmen and members of the
Public Health and Maternity and Child Welfare Committees, and to
thank my colleagues, the Chief officers of Departments, and the staff
of the Public Health Department for their loyal support and assistance.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
John W. Miller,
Town Hall, Medical Officer of Health.
Catford, S.E.6.