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CITY OF WESTMINSTER
INTERIM REPORT
OF THE
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
for the year 1941
Mr. Mayor, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I beg to submit an abridged report of the health and sanitary
conditions of the City of Westminster. The report consists of
statistical data largely relating to the activities of the various
health services in abbreviated form as prescribed by the Ministry of
Health for war time reports.
The health of the City remained satisfactory in spite of the
extremely disturbing circumstances during part of the year. Although
statistics, based on a population more mobile than in peace time, are
bound to be misleading, it is an encouraging fact that the incidence
of infectious disease was considerably less than in 1940.
Immunization against diphtheria was actively pursued. In
addition to the well established facilities at the Child Welfare
Centres, whereby both children under 5 years and those of school age
receive protective inoculations, a considerable number of children,
especially those from other districts, were inoculated by the medical
officers attending public shelters. The total of children immunized
in 1941 was 723.
The shelter and medical nursing services continued in full
operation during black-out periods throughout the year as did the
regular night inspections by the Sanitary Inspectors. These preventive
services contributed greatly to the good standard of health and
cleanliness of those using the shelters. Severe air raids were
experienced during the first half of 1941, resulting in a considerable
number of casualties and damage to premises. The First Aid services
again proved themselves equal to their task and tribute is due to all
branches for their courage and efficiency in most difficult and
dangerous conditions. There is no doubt that many lives were saved
by efficient first aid and speedy removal to hospital where skilled
surgical treatment was given them. As regards fatal casualties, no
praise can be too high for the services which the staff of the Public
Health Department voluntarily carried out at the war time mortuary.
As it was known that typhus fever had become prevalent in
Eastern Europe, special measures, in conjunction with adjoining
boroughs, were organized in order to combat the infection should it
make an appearance in this country. Fortunately there was no occasion
to put the scheme into operation.
Food and Food Premises
Co-operation was maintained with the officers of the Ministry
of Food in dealing with the many war time problems relating to food.
These included investigation of products, mostly beverages, purporting
to contain the essential ingredients of fruit. The sampling of
staple food-stuffs continued. Analysis showed a lower proportion of
adulteration. Food salvage, resulting from bomb damage, was carried
out in conjunction with the Ministry of Food. As a result of the
careful work of the Food Inspectors it transpired that 60 per cent
of food removed from damaged food premises remained fit for human
consumption, or by processing could be retained for animal food.
Only 40 per cent was condemned for destruction.