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So.far there has been only a plight rise in the incidence of
Tube-rcculesis both Pulmonary and Non-Pulmonary, whilst the death rates
for both for.a shows a small declino. As cornered with England end
wales as a whole the figures are low.
The Comprehensive Maternity and Child Welfare- Services have
functioned well throughout the year. The figures are generally lower
than in 1940 but this is due to a higher proprottion of that section of
the population concerned haying evacuated the town than was the case
in 1940. The Maternal Mortality rate was 3.2 per 1,000 total live
and still births, a figure higher than for 1940. Too much importance
should not bo assigned to this, however, on account of the relatively
small number under consideration,
The number of cases of Venereal Diseases dealt with at the Clinic
shows an increase on 1940. Thin unfortunately was expected as a
concomitant of war time conditions. The powers for prevention of these
infections is unhappily, very limited and* there is certainly a need to
bring in some Method of securing that (a) Persons who know they are
infected being compelled to obtain proper treatment and (b) seeing that
treatment is carried through until cure or a non-infectious - state is
reached.
Although there has of necessity, been much diminution of activity
in dealing with adverse housing conditions, the Chief Sanitary Inspectors
department has had a busy year, more particularly in connection with foods
and drugs inspections. I feel it, however, my duty to point out that
owing to the lack of r pairs to houses, and the cessation of building of
new houses, the problems which will face the Council in the near future,
especially if there is - as appeared probable towards th end of the year
an influx of families into Croydon, will be both large end difficult.
Already there are evidences of an increase in overerowding, and of houses
really unfit for,human habitation, having to be occupied because there was
nowhere else to go. If this undesirable state of affairs continues and
becomes more pronounced it cannot but fail to .have a detrimental influence
upon the general health of the town.
A report upon the duties under the Mental Deficiency Acts is included
as has been done in previous years. This work is under the jurisdiction
of the Mental Deficiency Committee.
No report has been included respecting the Civil Defence duties
undertaken by members of the Health Department as it is felt this is not
properly a health service, though it has shown itself a service
competent in the art and practice of saving life, not seldom under adverse
environmental conditions.
In conclusion - wish to express my thanks to you, Ladies and
Gentlemen for the help and encouragement you have at all times given me,
and at the same time I would like to. bring to your notice the loyal and
competant way in which the members of my professional, technical and
clerical staffs have carried out their duties.
Yours faithfully,
OSCAR. M. GOLDEN.
Medical Officer of Health.