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To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Metropolitan Borough of Paddington.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you the Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1953. This
is my first report to you, as I took over my duties on the 1st January, 1953 from Dr. Stewart on his promotion to the
appointment of Deputy County Medical Officer of Health, after his six years' meritorious service with this large and
important Metropolitan Borough.
The incidence of infectious disease in the Borough has again been low, with the exception of the outbreak of measles
(858 notified cases) which nevertheless did not reach the proportions of the previous two years either in extent or
severity.
Unhappily there was a slight increase in the death rate over the preceding year (12.63 of. 11.62). This was
in large measure due to the disastrous fog which enveloped the whole Metropolis in mid-December, 1952, with resulting
increase in deaths from bronchitis and pneumonia, particularly in the aged population, during the months of January
and February. In this connection it should be noted that the Public Health Committee installed in the Borough in
June, 1953 a recording apparatus for measuring the content of the atmospheric pollution, and to which detailed reference
is made in the body of this report.
It is pleasing to report that the death rate from pulmonary tuberculosis fell to an all time record of 0.19 (of. 0.83
of 10 years ago). There is, however, little change in the number of notified cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, which
fact is probably explained by the increased vigilance and acumen of the Chest Consultants whereby pulmonary cases
are now diagnosed which previously might have been missed.
My predecessor has pointed out the difficulty experienced in obtaining "adequate repairs to a certain class of
property." In appropriate cases the Council continues to do the work in default, in accordance with the procedure
laid down in the Housing Act. Unfortunately experience would indicate that the number of properties which can be
dealt with in this manner is limited owing to the cost of repairs as compared with computed valuation of the property
concerned. Indeed certain of the Underground Rooms which have been closed might well have been made available
for the badly needed housing accommodation in the Borough, except for the fact that it was not an economic proposition
for the owners to undertake the somewhat extensive works necessary.
Particular reference must be made to the ever increasing time of your officers which is being given to the care and
attention of the old people in the Borough. The importance of this work cannot, in my opinion, be overestimated.
Plans for its extension were made during the year, and it is confidently anticipated that they will be put into operation
during 1954. I have included in this report an extract from a report by the organiser to the Old People's Welfare
Committee, which works in close co-operation with your Public Health Department, and indicates the success of the
manifold activities of that body.
In conclusion may I express my gratitude for the help and co-operation I have received from the Public Health
Committee, the Chief Officers of the Council, and especially to all the staff of the Public Health Department.
I have the honour to be
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
Medical Officer of Health.