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4
The 1897 death rate was 15.9 and in 1947 was 10.5; the 1897
birth rate was 30.7, and in 1947 was 20.08. These figures justify
the work which has been done.
I would draw your attention to the contents of the Annual
Report itself for your own deliberations, but I would say that there
is a field for research in many matters, but unfortunately the staff
is not large enough to carry out any work of this character. For
instance, the large number of early deaths due to prematurity,
congenital defects and stillbirths. Of the deaths due to prematurity
and stillbirth, I am of opinion that each should be throughly investigated
and the cause ascertained and advice given in the future to
the parents. At present it is a case of doing the best at the time.
The position cannot be improved until more beds are available to
carry out such an intensive investigation.
During the year, Dr. Madeley resigned to take up a post with
the Islington Borough Council, and the work was carried on by
means of part-time medical officers.
Dr. Heller was appointed to the vacancy and the Council are
considering the appointment of an Assistant Medical Officer.
It was found necessary to appoint three additional Sanitary
Inspectors but these posts have not yet been filled because of the
unsettled state brought about by so many local authorities offering
higher grades of the National Charter than this Council regarded
as appropriate.
The Avenue Road Clinic consists of two houses, and one looks
forward to the time when a new Health Clinic will be erected to
cope with the work. In 1939 plans were prepared for a new clinic
but building was not carried out during the period 1939-1945.
The Maternity and Child Welfare Committee has rented Palmerston
Road Mission Hall for clinic purposes, and the Ministry of
Health have approved the plan, and it is hoped to use the building
early in 1948.
I would like to thank all members of the Health Department
and School Health Service for their loyal co-operation during the
year.
In particular I wish to place on record my appreciation of the
outstanding service rendered to the Borough by Dr. E. J. Madeley
who has worked in the department for 12 years as Deputy Medical
Officer, and for 3 years of this period had carried out my duties
during my absence on war service.
Your obedient servant,
G. E. B. PAYNE.