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HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
TOWN HALL,
HORNSEY, N.8.
To the Worshipful the Mayor, Alderman and Councillors
Mr. Mayor, Alderman and Councillors,
I have the honour to submit the Annual Report on the health of the
Borough for the year ended 31st December, 1958.
In general the standard of health was well maintained and no serious
outbreak of infectious disease occurred during the year.
The population figure, as estimated by the Registrar General, showed
a slight decline from 96,890 to 96,670. Deaths from all causes numbered
1,137, giving an adjusted death rate of 10.6 per thousand of the population.
The total number of live births was 1,745, showing a rise in the birth
rate to 18.1 as compared with 16.2 in the previous year. Thirty-three
infants died in the first year of life giving an infantile mortality rate of
18.9—slightly higher than in the previous year. A survey of all peri-natal
deaths, commenced almost three years ago in Hornsey, is already producing
interesting and helpful information and is referred to in this
Report.
Further progress was made in the field of "slum" clearance, and in
improving housing conditions generally. The Council gave further
consideration during the year to the special housing needs of the aged
and physically handicapped, a number of whom are virtually marooned
in upstairs rooms. For many, ground floor accommodation or accommodation
with suitable lifts, is the only solution to a happier and fuller life.
Under the Clean Air Act all preliminary work of surveying properties
and estimating costs necessary for establishing the first "smoke control
area" in the district was carried out during the year.
The two most rewarding aspects of the year's work in the day-to-day
administration of the school and personal health services, have been
the special attention given to the needs of handicapped children and the
Government sponsored scheme for protection of a susceptible population
against poliomyelitis.
Excellent co-operation locally has existed between hospital consultants,
general medical practitioners and local authority staff. Further opportunity
too, was afforded during the year for taking part in medical research
by local authority staff and in particular the health visitors.
In conclusion I wish to acknowledge my sincere appreciation of the
support given me by the Chairmen and members of the various Committees
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