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Public Health Department,
Poplar Town Hall, Bow Road, E.3.
1st June, 1944.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Poplar.
Madam, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In accordance with the Ministry of Health
Ciroular 10/44 (England) this Report for the year 1943 is, like those
for the years 1939-42, an abridged Interim Report. Summaries of the
principal vital and other statistics are included.
Population. The Registrar-General's estimate of the population is not
to be published. Rates calculated on that population are not given
either, but average rates for the preceding five years arc given in
parentheses, with commonts as to the comparability of the appropriate
rate for 1943.
Births. There wns an increase in the number of live births, the birth
rate being the highest since 1925,
Deaths. The number of deaths at all ages was higher than in 1942, the
increase being due mainly to diseases of the circulatory system and
cancer. On the other hand, 'there was a slight decrease in the death rate
from Tuberculosis.
Maternal Deaths. These numbered three, two of them following abortions.
Infant Mortality. Respiratory disoases and premature Tirth were mainly
responsible for the some what higher infant mortality, one-half of the
total deaths under one year of age being aligned to these causes.
Infectious Disease. Scarlet fever was abnormally prevalent in 1943, but
it is interesting to note that during the past five years there has not
been one Poplar death attributed to this disease. The Measles epidemic
referred to in my report for 1942 continued during the early months of
1943, but the number of deaths was relatively low.
Tuberculosis. There was a slight increase in the number of new cases
notified but, as mentioned above, the death rate was lower than that of
the previous year although above the average for five years.
Influenza. The Influonza epidemic which occurred in the latter part of
the year did not call for any special action in this Borough.
Staff. Three members of the staff, Messrs. Barnett, Donovan and East,
were called up for military service. The Council arranged that during
the absence of Mr. Donovan the duties of Vaccination Officer should be
oarried out by Mr. May, one of the Sanitary Inspectors. The Ministry
of Health raised no objection to this on the understanding that the
sanitary inspection work was not prejudiced thereby.
Public Vaccinators. Dr. M. J. B rne was appointed Public Vaccinator for
the southern portion of the Boro ugh in place of the late Dr? Cotter
Dr. 17. Feldman, the Medical Superintendent of Mile End Hospital, was
appointed Public Vaccinator for St. Clement's Hospital, vice Dr. Pinhey
who had resigned.
Gcnoral. Circulars on various matters wore received from the Ministry
of Health during the year and the necessary action has been taken thereon
Once ggain I have to thank the members of the Council for
their continued support during the year.
I am, Madam, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
»
W. ALLAN Y0UNG,
Medical Officer of Health.