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DIVISION 5, comprising the boroughs of Bethnal Green, Poplar and Stepney and the
City of London
Dr. A. L. Thrower reports:
In any review of the development of the Council's health services in this division since
1948, tribute must be paid to my predecessor, Dr. G. O. Mitchell and his deputy, Dr. Lily
Butler who, because of their links with and knowledge of the East End for many years prior
to 1948 and thereafter until the end of 1963, were responsible not only for the smooth
re-organisation following the transfer of services from the boroughs to the Council in
1948, but also for the continuity in administration thereafter. These officers played no small
part in the co-operation always forthcoming in this locality between the varied voluntary and
statutory organisations and committees working for the health and welfare of all
concerned.
Drastic changes have occurred in the area and re-building in this part of London may well
be greater than in any other area of the Metropolis. This is not surprising when one recalls
the widespread destruction of property in the City and in the East End during the war-years
1939-1945 and the enormous programme of slum clearance initiated since the war. This
has led to great population movements.
VitaI statistics—A comparison between the census of 1951 and that of 1961 reveals
that the population of the division dropped by over 25,000 (i.e. from 236,114 to 210,449).
The live births occurring to residents, however, in the years under review (1948-1964) have
remained fairly constant. In 1949, for instance, the total number of live births was 4,272;
the number each year thereafter fluctuated between the lowest recorded, 3,742 in 1960,
and this year's figure of 4,172. The number of still-births during this same period has
decreased encouragingly from the highest of 99 (in 1952) to 78 this year.
Quads—Whilst reviewing the number of births it is appropriate to recall that one of the
few surviving sets of quads are two boys and two girls born to a Stepney mother in December
1957 in the East End maternity hospital. Nursing and home help services were provided to
assist the parents in caring for the children at home and the family were moved to larger
accommodation by the Stepney Borough Council. The children made excellent progress
and are now at school.
Maternity and child welfare premises—It was recognised in 1948 that much needed to be
done to provide more suitable accommodation for this purpose. The movement of population
due to rehousing schemes also necessitated the resiting of some welfare centres. Steady
progress has been made and the use of most of the unsatisfactory premises discontinued.
In all, eight new centres have been opened in the division.
Day nurseries—In 1948 there were seven Council day nurseries in the division; in addition,
65 places were available at two voluntary nurseries. The total number of places available
was 485. Four nurseries have been closed and the total number of places available at
the end of 1964 in five day nurseries (four Council and one voluntary) was 235. In spite of
the closures there was no undue pressure on places. One reason for this may be the relatively
generous provision of nursery school places in the division and the provision of full-time
nursery classes in many primary schools.
In September 1963, a special unit was opened in Queen Mary day nursery for the admission
of up to six severely sub-normal infants. This provides special care for these mentally
handicapped children and some relief to the parents from the often overwhelming task of
caring for them at home.
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