View report page

Health Servioes Department,
Walworth Road, S.E.17.
October, 1947.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I beg to submit my Annual Report for the year 1946.
The year has been one of increasing activity in all branches
of the Health Services, but it has been a harrowing year and of
much concern to the Council owing to the shortage of staff and the
inability to obtain additional staff due to the inevitable shortage
consequent upon the War.
The most urgent matter with which the Council is faced is
undoubtedly the serious lack of housing accommodation and the fact
that very many of the houses which remain and are inhabited are
unfit for human occupation. Nevertheless, in spite of almost
insurmountable difficulties, the Council are doing their uttermost
to remedy the position as quickly as possiblo and thus alleviate
the serious conditions under which many of our Citizens are
compelled to live.
In view of the difficult times and conditions, it is not a
little surprising to find that the health of the Borough as
indicated by the Death rates and incidence of infectious diseases
has remained very good.
The Birth rate has soared up to 24.3 per 1,000 population
2093 (1107 males and 986 females) births having boen registered
during tho yoar; a considerable increase on the previous year,
when only 1303 births were registered. It would appear from tho
increasing numbers attending tho Maternity & Child Welfaro Centres
and tho additional sessions which I havc«been compelled to mako
to meet tho demand, that wo can expect an even greater number of
births in tho future. These figures compare with those of the
pre-war ones when the population was almost double.
Other rates and the work undertaken by the various Departments
are indicated in the body of this report and do not require
enlarging upon. One matter, however, which has caused somo little
concorn to tho Health Committee is tho increase in outbreaks of
food poisoning. This has boon general throughout the Country and
has ariaon as a result of an increase of communal feeding in
canteens and restaurants.
Our investigations locally havo proved that in many cases the
food has been contaminated by those persons handling It , owing
to lack of knowledge of personal hygiene and cleanliness. In other
cases we have found bad general conditions and inadequate equipment,
total absence of proper handwashing sink, soap and towels, the
complaint being always the inability to provide owing to restrictions.
If these excuses are true, it shows a very serious lack
of understanding on the part of those responsible at the Board of
Trade. Local Authorities possess certain powers to enforce
cleanliness in promises where food is prepared, but these powers
are inadequate for present day needs and amplification and
unification of procedure is necessary in tho form of a well thought
out food hygiene code.
Ohoe again, I desire to place on record my appreciation of
the good will shown to me by the Chairmen and Members of the
Committees on which I serve, and also the willing advice and assistance
rendered to me by the Chief Officers of the Council and by
every member of my staff.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yours obediently,
W. STOTT.
Medical Officer of Health.