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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.
Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present my Annual Report for the year
1955 on the health and sanitary circumstances of the Borough.
The Report is compiled in accordance with the requirements
of the Ministry of Health Circular 17/55.
Death Rate—8.58.—This remains low and compares favourably
with the death rate in Middlesex and England and Wales.
Its effect on the population of the District is offset by a continuing
low Birth Rate.
Birth Rate—12.07.—This remains low and is a direct
reflection on the difficulty of young people to obtain suitable living
accommodation at a reasonable cost. Housing for such people
remains a difficult problem notwithstanding the relief given by the
New Towns. Some people are so desperate to get accommodation
that they are willing to accept anything rather than continue to
live in one or two rooms.
Infant Mortality Rate—17.52.—This has risen slightly
since 1954, but compares favourably with that of England and
Wales. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get mothers to
visit clinics for checking the condition of their children. This is
mainly due to the shortage of Health Visitors and also the failure
of the working mother to see her doctor in time. The Neo Natal
Rate also contributes its share to the rise in infant deaths. Neo
Natal deaths are usually a deep and abiding problem. The Neo
Natal Rate is 14.19.
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