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PREFACE.
Public Health Department,
Town Hall,
Edmonton, N.9.
His Worship the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Borough of
Edmonton.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have much pleasure in presenting my fourth Annual Report for the year
1038, on the Sanitary circumstances, Sanitary administration and Vital
Statistics of the Borough of Edmonton. The contents are compiled in
accordance with Circular 1728 issued by the Ministry of Health.
Edmonton is now a Borough, conscious of the responsibility resting on
her, and I am pleased to be able to report that the Staff in my various
Departments is responding wholeheartedly to its increased responsibilities.
During the year, progress has been made, although naturally in a
slowing-down margin, but none the less must it be recognised that the effort
necessary to make progress is becoming increasingly great as we approach
a certain peak of perfection.
Very little change has occurred in the circumstances appertaining to the
Borough since my Annual Report for 1937.
An increased effort is being made by the Public Health Committee to
endeavour to encompass a perpetuation of the good results accruing from the
Housing Act, 1936. Although the Borough is almost free from any major
condition that would cast a blemish on Public Health, there are yet many
minor details, particularly associated with overcrowding, which must receive
attention.
As you will see from the vital statistics, the Birth Rate (15.8) continues
to rise while the Death Rate (9.26), already low in comparison with the rest
of the country, has fallen still further. The deaths from Puerperal Causes
are down to the very creditable figure of 1.77; this is below the supposed
irreducible figure for maternal mortality, namely, 2.00. Nevertheless, we will
continue to strive to reduce this figure still further. Infantile mortality is
further reduced to 11.7, which compares very favourably with the figure of
53.0 for England and Wales, and 57.0 for London. The incidence of Puerperal
Pyrexia continues to rise.
In conclusion, I wish to record my thanks for the kindness and courtesy
extended to me by the Council, and for the loyal co-operation of the Staff,
during the year.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
D. REGAN,
Medical Officer of Health.
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