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To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Borough of
Dagenham.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I submit herewith my report for the year 1945 ; this is in line
with the reports prepared during the war years as directed by the
Ministry of Health.
The estimated population for mid-1945 has been given by the
Registrar-General as 94,530; since this estimate, however, the
quarterly returns issued by the Registrar-General have shown a
continued increase, the latest showing a figure of over 108,000. The
increased provision of houses and the re-building of those demolished
materially help to maintain the upward trend.
The birth rate of 19.54, although in excess of that for England and
Wales, viz., 16.1, is less than for 1944. Only two maternal deaths
were assigned to this district, this being the same number as for the
previous year; the rate per thousand births is, however, slightly
increased owing to the diminished number of total births. The death
rate from all causes continues to be very low; this is partly accounted
for by the fact that Dagenham possesses a high proportion of young
people.
There was a high incidence of Measles, the age group mostly
affected being that between five and ten years, the total number of
notifications received being 1,330. In spite of this high incidence,
however, it is gratifying to note that no deaths have been attributed to
this disease.
The incidence of Whooping Cough declined from 412 in 1944 to
177; here again I am pleased to record that no fatal case occurred.
STAFF. It is with much regret that I have to record the
death of Miss M. Smith, Senior Health Visitor.
Miss Smith had been on the Health Visiting staff for a great many
years. For the latter part of her period of service she was in charge of
the other Health Visitors and undertook important duties with regard
to Council and Association midwives. Her loss to the department was
severely felt. We were, however, fortunate in securing the services of
Miss V. Everitt, who was promoted to succeed Miss Smith.
Dr. J. A. C. Franklin is still serving as a Staff Major with the
Royal Army Medical Corps and it is not anticipated that his release
will be obtained until the early part of 1947. It is understood that
being classified as a Specialist his demobilisation will be delayed.
Dr. Carter-Locke was demobilised in May, 1946; on his return
to the staff he was appointed as Acting Deputy Medical Officer of
Health pending Dr. Franklin's return.
Messrs. Field and Skeates returned from the Forces during 1946
and resumed duty with the department; Mr. Field, however, has since