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5
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Metropolitan Borough
of Lewis ham.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Annual Report for 1947 is presented again in an abridged
form and is chiefly a compilation of statistical information.
The Registrar General's estimate of the population in mid-year, 1947
at 221,170 was some 14,000 more than the estimate for the previous
year, and compares with the pre-war estimate in June, 1939 of 231,000.
The birth rate for the year at 21.9 again shows an increase and is the
highest rate with the exception of one year since 1909, the exceptional
year being 1920 when the rate was 22.8. The death rate rose from 10.6
to 11.9, but is still under the rates from 1940-45. The infant mortality
rate at 33 was the same as in the previous year (a record low) and is
still less than the average for London as a whole and for England and
Wales.
In connection with the work carried out during the year 1947,
special mention may be made of the following:—
Tuberculosis
Although recently the death rate had not significantly increased the
number of new cases coming to light had done so. This was probably
due to several factors, including the increase in population, the effects
of war conditions, and also the effects of propaganda associated with
the mass radiography scheme. As a result the committee decided to
increase the dispensary staff by the addition of a third Tuberculosis
Officer, an extra Health Visitor, and extra clerical and technical assistance.
This was in order to cope with the increase of cases and also to
undertake artificial pneumothorax treatment which heretofore had been
undertaken for us by other hospitals. Some of these additions to the
dispensary staff and work were brought about in 1947 and the others
were completed in the first half of 1948.
Foot clinics
During the year the committee approved the establishment of foot
clinics in two premises in the borough, the premises being the Central
clinic in Lewisham High Street, and Louise House. A full-time
chiropodist was appointed and commenced her duties in August.
Details of the scheme and of the attendances are shown in the body of
the report.