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THE BIRTH RATE shows a very slight increase. The Death Rate
shows an increase but continues to be low. The major feature of this is that
extremely old make up the greater proportion.
INFANTILE MORTALITY RATE is higher this year than last. The
figure compares very favourbly with those for England and Wales.
PUERPERAL SEPSIS. In District Midwifery this is becoming unknown.
In Institutional treatment, however, the instances are relatively high,
but the death rate is nil.
It is to be regretted that the incidence of Poliomyelitis during this
year rose to epidemic standard. Every effort was made at early diagnosis and
removal to Hospital for treatment. Treatment, however, was somewhat
hampered in the late stages by being unable to admit them to General or
Orthopaedic Hospitals for continued Physiotherapy treatment. In a few cases
the physical defects are really serious. In the majority, however, good
recovery was made, and in a few no serious physical disadvantage could be
detected.
THE FOOT CLINIC, which was opened in 1946 on a part-time basis,
proved to be far more popular than we expected. It is true to say that the
patients came along in an avalanche, piling up into a long waiting list, This
matter has not yet been attended to, mainly due to the lack of suitable
premises. It is hoped that during the year 1948 this will, in part at least, be
overcome.
Finally, I would say that this was a difficult year in most Departments.
There was deficiency of staff and every Department was rendered restless by
the return to their duties of those who were absent on war service. On the
whole those men who were on National Service recovered their equilibrium
rapidly and settled down to the usual routine of duties very effectively. This
gave me great pleasure to see, as one would expect a certain amount of mental
disturbance due to so great a strain for so long a time.
I would like to express my very best thanks to the members of my
staff for the manner in which they have helped during this eventful year. It
might be said that 1947 was a year of anticipation and change as well as some
really very effective work being done. I would like to thank the members of
the Council, and my Public Health Committee in particular, for very helpful
efforts and good advice during the year.
I have the honour to be, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
D. REGAN,
Medical Officer of Health.
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