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We did not have the Mass X-Ray Unit this year because of the need
for accommodation to operate it. Indeed the need for accommodation is
becoming more and more acute as regards Public Health matters.
IMMUNISATION AGAINST DIPHTHERIA is having its effect.
There were no deaths, and the incidence has been reduced to the unit measure.
We have immunisation also against Whooping Cough, and it may be said
that the children so immunised do not seem to develop the disease and epidemics
in Edmonton are very mild compared with those in the past ; no control
experiments, however, have been used in order to prove the scheme to be
effective.
BIRTH RATE has fallen somewhat abruptly—very probably due to
the influence of the economic outlook.
DEATH RATE is comparatively low, and again the major feature of
this is the number of old people who have passed on.
INFANTILE MORTALITY RATE is lower than last year and leaves
us in favourable comparison with England and Wales.
MATERNAL MORTALITY—there have been no maternal deaths
during this year either in hospital or district midwifery. It is now, I am pleased
to say, a considerable time since we had a death in district midwifery, but we
must however not in any sense relax our efforts.
POLIOMYELITIS has decreased, but we are still having the after
effects of the epidemic of 1947.
FOOT CLINIC was transferred to the administration of the Middlesex
County Council on 5th July 1948. It is, however, a matter of regret that this
very popular service in no way equals the demand made by the public.
Finally, the difficulties of transfer under the National Health Service
Act 1946 are. still with us, but they are slowly being ironed out, and in time
will be satisfactorily overcome.
As Medical Officer of Health I feel some regret for the administration
that has passed on, although I am looking to the future for a greater and better
Service yet. The acceptance or otherwise of the service rendered in the future
will be a matter for decision by the general public in comparison with the
service that had been rendered.
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