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well known, there is a shortage of beds or, more accurately,
of nursing staff for this purpose. The Woolwich
Group Hospital Management Committee has been very
co-operative, however, and it has been possible to help a
number of old people whose circumstances had become
very serious.
The Vital Statistics for the year were again satisfactory,
although the Birth Rate fell slightly from 18.4 in
1948 to 17.9 in 1949, and the Death Rate increased from
7.5 to 8.03.
The Infantile Mortality Rate increased from l9.9
per 1,000 live births in 1948 to 26.4 per 1,000 in 1949) but
this rate is Still well below that for England and Wales
as a whole.
Generally speaking the health of the district has
been well maintained. The occurrence of such incidents
as the outbreak of Smallpox in the S.S. "Mooltan" 'is
a proof that even to-day the price of safety is eternal
vigilance.
My thanks are due to the Council for their help
and encouragement at all times and to the Senior Sanitary
Inspector and all members of the staff for their
devoted service on all occasions.
I am,
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN LANDON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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