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LIBRARY
METROPOLITAN BOROUGH OF STOKE NEWINGTON.
Public Health Department,
Town Hall, N. 16.
5th August, 1941.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
An abridged report concerning the health of the
Borough during the year 1940 is herewith submitted.
In spite of the risks resulting from heavy bombing
and the undesirable conditions under which the people were
forced to live and sleep in public air raid shelters, there
were no epidemics of infectious disease and the health of the
population remained remarkably good.
It is encouraging to note that the Infantile Mortality
rate of 28.1 in 1940, as compared with 28.2 in 1939s was the
lowest yet recorded in the borough. The corresponding figure
for London was 50' and for England and Wales 55
There were no deaths from puerperal causes.
In comparison with the preceding year, there was a
considerable increase in the death rate. This is accounted
for by deaths due to enemy action, which are classified as
"other violent causes."
It will be noted that during the year there was a
fall in the number of attendances at the various. Welfare Clinics
due to increased evacuation in the latter part of the year.
In view of the scarcity of certain foods, special
observation has been made of the health of the mothers and
children attending the Centres. No adverse effects have been
observed. Preparations containing essential vitamins have been
made available at the Centres.
Thanks are tendered to the Mayor and Members of the
Emergency Committee who have been ready to assist in the
introduction of measures for the safeguarding and improvement
of the health of the population, particularly where special
difficulties have had to be overcome.
I have again to express my appreciation to the staff
of the Health Department for their unfailing loyalty and for
their readiness to undertake those extra duties, which it has
been necessary to impose upon them in order that the Department
might continue to give that service the public has now come to
expect and demand.
S. KING.
Medical Officer of Health.