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Public Health Department,
Lambeth Town Hall,
Brixton Hill, S.W. 2.
May, 1918.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Lambeth.
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,
The work of the year 1917 has been that of " carrying on,"
ensuring, on the one hand, as far as possible, the same high standard
of sanitary administration being maintained throughout the Borough,
but, on the other hand, avoiding the introduction of any new
Schemes which would involve the Council in any serious increase
of expenditure at the present time, under existing national (war)
conditions.
The statistical results for the year 1917, as set out in the Report,
speak for themselves, the slight increases in the general and zymotic
death-rates being more apparent than real, due to the estimated
civil population being somewhat low.
The infantile mortality rate is again further reduced for 1917.
The tuberculosis death—and incidence—rates for 1917 deserve
attention, the slight increases being, as in the cases of the general
and zymotic rates, apparent rather than real, whilst the increase
in the general tuberculosis (all forms) incidence rate is due to a
larger number of patients being diagnosed as tubercular adenitis
than formerly, chiefly noticeable in connection with the Outer
Wards of the Borough.
The typhoid fever (enteric fever), 1917, statistics, are as
favourable as those for last year (1916), and better than those of
any year previous to 1916-1917.
The Staffs of the Department have worked well, both the
inspectorial and clerical, the former with its additional work
connected with Food Control, and the latter despite its temporary
(in part) officers, who are taking the places of regular clerks who
left the employ of the Council temporarily on war work. To the
Staffs, and to the Chiefs of the Departments, as also to the Members
of the Council, my thanks are due for assistance readily given at all
times in connection with the carrying out of my important duties
as Medical Officer of Health of the Borough.
The Report has been further curtailed and condensed owing
to the increased cost of production and the great scarcity of paper.
I am, Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive
Tuberculosis Officer.