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8
The changes in the birth and death-rates are vividly illustrated by the
fact that in St. Pancras in 1918 there was an excess of deaths over births
amounting to 596, while in 1919 and 1920 there was an increase of population
through excess of births over deaths, amounting to 894 and 3,039 respectively.
With reference to infectious diseases, there has fortunately been no
recrudescence of the great outbreak of influenza of 1918 and 1919. Scarlet
fever and diphtheria were both more prevalent in 1920 than in the years
immediately preceding, and there was a considerable amount of illness and
mortality from measles and whooping cough. The deaths from diarrhoea and
enteritis, which have been so fatal amongst young children in hot summers in
the past, were fewer than ever before recorded.
The work of the Public Health Department during the year is recorded
in detail in the report. Considerable development took place in the Borough
scheme for Maternity and Child Welfare. This was necessitated largely by the
circumstance that babies were being born at almost double the rate of the
preceding years, and that the child population to be served was correspondingly
increased. It is satisfactory to record that a very high percentage of the
children born were taken to the infant welfare centres (probably approaching
70 per cent), and, as mentioned above, that the rate of infantile mortality was
very greatly reduced.
In compiling this annual report, I have followed closely the suggestions
made by the Ministry of Health, but have varied somewhat the order of the
Sections.
In ccnclusion, I once more have the pleasure of expressing my appreciation
of the manner in which I have been assisted throughout the year by the
staff of the Public Health Department. I have also to thank your Public
Health Committee for the support which they have invariably given me, and
the Council for the personal consideration which they have shown me.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant.
Medical Officer of Health.