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7
Public Health Department,
Town Hall,
Pancras Road, N.W.
November, 1916.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors or the
Metropolitan Borough of St. Pancras.
Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you the Sixtieth Annual Report on the
vital statistics and sanitary condition of the Sanitary District of St. Pancras,
including particulars of the year's work of the department. This is the third
annual report which it has been my duty to submit.
The year 1915 was the first to be passed under war conditions throughout.
It is to be regretted that it was marked by a serious fall in the birth-rate,
which was twelve per cent. less than the average of the preceding four years.
This was accompanied by an increase in the general death-rate (civilian) which
was eight per cent. above that of the preceding four years and a similar
increase of nine per cent. in the infantile death-rate. The fall in the birthrate
is no doubt due to war conditions, and the increased number of deaths, not
being explainable by the prevailing climatic or epidemic conditions is probably
due to the same complex cause.
As compared with 1914, the increase in deaths and the decrease in births
represent for St. Pancras a falling off in the natural rate of increase of the
population to the extent of 672 lives.
In the face of these facts the present time is clearly not one for any
unavoidable relaxation in the sanitary government of the borough.
During 1915, there was a serious reduction in the staff of the public health
department from the enlistment of its members. At the end of the year five
sanitary inspectors were serving with the forces, apart from the vacancy
caused by Mr. Osborne's death in 1914, which was still open.
The Council's scheme for the Dispensary treatment of tuberculosis was
brought into full operation during the year, and grants were paid to the
Dispensary and Hospital concerned, though the formal agreements had not
been concluded by the end of the year.
In conclusion, I desire to express my hearty thanks to the members of the
staff of my department, who have one and all done their best to cope with
the increased strain due to reduction of staff; to your Public Health Committee,
who have given me encouraging support; and to the members of vour
Council for the personal consideration they have invariably shown me.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.