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Not only have the infant mortality and maternal mortality
rates decreased, but all sections have shown improvements.
Diphtheria, once an annual scourge, has now almost disappeared.
Scarlet Fever, once a serious disease, is now difficult to
diagnose from simple maladies like sore throats.
Tuberculosis.—The fight against tuberculosis is now
organised on a sure basis and if continued should bring about the
disappearance of this dread disease. It should be mentioned here
the excellent co-operation and help given at all times to my department
by Dr. Vernon Davies and the entire staff of the Chest Clinic.
Under such circumstances a Health Service is bound to succeed
and I am personally profoundly grateful to Dr. Davies and his
staff for all the services rendered.
It should also be borne in mind the very great and fundamental
service rendered by the North Middlesex Hospital for the common
good of the citizens of Edmonton and others.
A human problem of some difficulty often arises for the
Medical Officer of Health who has succeeded in establishing good
relations with parents, and once parents have learnt to value his
advice in connection with their children, they will often bring him
their own troubles for solution. These troubles may frequently
have nothing to do with his official position, but it is essential,
nevertheless, that such troubles should be dealt with by him. This
is a field in which every Medical Officer of Health needs all the
tact and knowledge at his command and also some understanding
of ideas and prejudices commonly held by adults, particularly
where their own past education is limited.
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