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INTRODUCTION
To the Chairman and Members of the Public Health Committee.
1 have the honour to present my report on the health of the Borough
during 1961.
There were improvements in many respects. Development of new
housing sites led to an increase of 1,090 in the population and to an
increase of the population density to 7 persons per acre. Though the 12.91
birth rate was 3.8 per 1,000 less than that of England and Wales and
there were 12 fewer births this year, the general death rate was 1.2 less
than the national average. 361 of the total of 877 deaths were from
heart and circulatory diseases including coronary thrombosis and 193
deaths were from all forms of cancer. 41 deaths were due to cancer of
the lung but deaths from this cause have shown a slight decrease over
the past few years. Deaths from respiratory tuberculosis have also
diminished. Notification of new cases of tuberculosis were 35, compared
with twice the number recorded in my first annual report for
Beckenham in 1951.
The number of deaths of infants under one year old was one less
and the infant mortality rate diminished by 2.74. A table shows that
prematurity with an associated pre-natal cause was responsible for
12 deaths and congenital abnormality for 5 deaths of the total of 19
deaths. For the first time since 1956 no infant death from rhesus
incompatibility was reported.
The reports of the Home Help Organiser and the District Officer
show the steady expansion of the Home Help Service and the progress
made in helping the mentally ill and physically handicapped. The many
health and social services available in this area are also shown in the
report.
Earlier in my letter the reduction in notifications of tuberculosis
was noted and in the report on the work of the Chest Clinic, Dr.
Madigan comments on the success of new antibiotics. The need for
continued energetic preventative measures is stressed. An important
preventative measure lies in helping the families of tubercular patients
and this valuable service is described in the report of the Secretary of
the Care Committee.
The report on the Old Persons' Welfare Services has been revised
and brought up to date. The provision of a second meals van by the
Borough Council for the Meals on Wheels Service, and the introduction
by the County Council of a chiropody service were important events
during 1961.
In the report of the Centre Organiser of the Women's Voluntary
Service reference is made to the start of a fund through a Townswomen's
Guild to enable elderly persons, not wishing to go on holiday
with a club, to be able to go away. So far four persons have enjoyed
such a holiday.
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