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Deaths.—The death rate, 11.8, is below the average for the preceding
five years (12.2).
Infantile Mortality.—The infantile mortality rate is the second
lowest recorded, despite the fact that the number of births (upon which
the rate is calculated) is the smallest recorded, with the exception of
that for the year 1918.
Infectious Disease.—Notifications of infectious disease were fewer
in 1927 than in 1926. The outstanding feature is the reduction in the
number of cases of Zymotic Enteritis, mainly accounted for by the
unusually large number notified in 1926, as a result of the outbreak of
Gastro-enteritis reported in that year.
In October, a report upon the Schick Test and the method of immunising
susceptibles against Diphtheria was submitted to the Public
Health and Housing Committee. On its acceptance by the Council the
Minister of Health sanctioned the scheme, but the first clinic was not
held until 5th June, 1928.
A copy of the report, as submitted, is printed as an appendix.
Smallpox.—One case of Smallpox occurred in the Borough during
the year.
tuberculosis.—The report of the Tuberculosis Officer is quoted in
extenso.
The number of new cases coming to the knowledge of the department
shows a slight decrease.
Five tuberculosis patients who died were not notified (2.6 per cent.
of total deaths from tuberculosis) and seven other cases were notified
only after death.
Maternity and Child Welfare.—This section of the work oontinues
to increase, the attendances at the ordinary infant consultations as well
as at the special clinics being higher than those of the year 1926.
During the year, the new Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, in
Wellington Road, was opened. In this building are the Observation