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11
The subject of Maternity and Child Welfare was brought into prominence
by the publication in July, 1914, of a circular and memorandum on this subject
by the Local Government Board offering grants towards expenditure for this
purpose. This matter was having attention at the end of the year in conjunction
with my previous recommendation that additional health visitors
should be appointed. Besides maternity and infant welfare much useful
work might be done in connection with the non-notifiable infectious
diseases and verminousness. Particularly in regard to measles and whooping
cough, both of which produce a serious mortality amongst children, much
saving of life might be effected by the provision of nursing and other facilities
both in hospitals and in the homes of the patients.
The registered milkshops in the Borough have been given much attention
in 1914, and a considerable number of milksellers whose premises were unsuitable
for the sale of milk have been removed from the register.
During the year the duty of inspecting factories, workshops, and workplaces,
including bakehouses and restaurant kitchens, was transferred from the
district inspectors to one sanitary inspector, who was released from his duties
as District Inspector by a re-arrangement of the districts, and appointed
Inspector of Factories and Workshops. The number of districts was thus
reduced to 12. The duties of the Woman Sanitary Inspector in regard to
factories and workshops remain unchanged. The new arrangement came
into force on 5th October, 1914, when the compilation of new registers of
factories and workshops on the card-index system was begun.
There was a considerable outbreak of scarlet fever during 1914, in which
St. Pancras shared in common with the rest of London. The number of fatal
cases was, however, not sufficient to produce any marked increase in the
general death-rate.
In conclusion, I desire to express my thanks to the Staff of the Public
Health Department who have carried out their important duties loyally and
amicably; to your Public Health Committee who have given me most
encouraging support; and to the Members of your Council for the personal
consideration they have shown me during the year.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.