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ii.
Immunization against Diphtheria has proceeded steadily, and
the number of children now immunised is estimated at approximately
TO per cent. of the total child population. Diphtheria
incidence has remained remarkably low, and only 3 deaths from
this formerly dreaded disease occurred in the Borough throughout
the year.
Full statistics are given of patients treated in Mayday
Hospital because this information is of value to other similar
hospitals. The year, as shown by the statistics, has been a busy
one, with a welcome expansion in all directions in its functions
as a general hospital. The hospital is classified under the
Emergency Hospitals Scheme as a Number One General
Hospital, and arrangements have been made to have 250 beds
always ready for emergency and another 250 to be available
within 48 hours.
The major cause of death remained the same as in recent
years, namely, diseases of the Heart and Circulatory system; the
figure rose from 5.1 per 1,000 of the population to 5.25. Since
1939 this figure has risen steadily each year. Deaths from
diseases of the Digestive System remained at practically the same
level as in 1941.
There has been a continued incidence of skin affections,
particularly noticeable in the case of Scabies and Impetigo.
Influenza incidence has remained at a low level.
Considered as a whole, the vital statistics show that
Croydon's health has been well maintained during 1942.
Some increase in the number of cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
notified is manifest, and this increase has been greatest
among women. This is not a surprising finding, though it
naturally calls for constant vigilance. The increased employment
of women in factories, the black-out, and the restricted consumption
of fats probably all play a part in rendering susceptible
persons less able to overcome chance infection.
The Maternity and Child Welfare Services have functioned
very fully throughout the year, and the commencement of Wartime
Nurseries has opened up a new branch of activity which is
proving of value in the care and training of the pre-school child.
Attendances at Infant Welfare Centres have returned to their
pre-war dimensions, though it is possible that some of the
increases noted are due to the issue of vitamins through the
Centres by the Ministry of Food.