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Public Health Department,
Lewisham Town Hall,
Catford, S.E.6.
7th October, 1946.
To: The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Metropolitan
Borough of Lewisham.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Annual Report for 1945 is presented again in the abridged
form required by the Ministry of Health since 1939, and is chiefly
a compilation of statistical information.
During the year under review Dr. John W. Miller, the Medical
Officer of Health, became increasingly ill so that he was granted
indefinite leave of absence, but early in 1946 we learned with the
greatest regret that he had decided to resign. After the strenuous
and trying years of war, that very materially contributed to his
breakdown, we wish him a quiet and restful retirement with the
knowledge that he is much missed and remembered with real affection
by all who knew him.
It should be borne in mind that in consequence of war-time
conditions the vital statistics contained in this report relate to
the civilian population only and deaths of males and females serving
in H.M. Forces are excluded.
The restriction imposed during the war (on grounds of national
security) as to the publication of population and other figures has
now been removed and it is therefore possible to give information
previously witheld. A summary of the statistics for the past eight
years is of interest and is given on page 4.
The Registrar General's estimate of the population at 171,280
shows a considerable increase on the previous year but is still much
below the 1931 Census figure of 219,953.
The Birth Rate for the year of 17.7, although lower than the
previous year, is well above the mean. The Death Rate of 12.1 is
below the average of the past eight years. It is satisfactory to
record that the Infant Mortality Rate at 34 continues to fall and
compares favourably with the figures of 46 for England and Wales
and 53 for the Administrative County of London.
The communicable diseases, with few exceptions, showed a
decline as compared with 1944, both as regards incidence and the
number of deaths.
Towards the end of the year it was decided to have a special
Diphtheria Immunisation Campaign in the Borough during the Spring.
As a result of this the percentage of children immunised in the
Borough was raised from 46% to 68%.
In October 1945 the new X-ray Department was opened at the
Tuberculosis Dispensary and a full-time radiologist appointed.
Since that date this new department has been able to deal with the
full requirements of the Borough in respect of X-ray examinations.
I wish to express my appreciation of the support and help
I have received from the Council and staff.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors,
Your obedient servant,
ELLA G. F. MACKENZIE,
Deputy Medical Officer of Health.