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country from infected areas. The vigilance of Port Health Authorities
minimised this danger considerably but many contacts were
kept under surveillance in the district for the appropriate incubation
periods and the year passed without any cases occurring.
The Infant Mortality Rate of 33.17, comparing very favourably
with that of England and Wales which is 46, is the second lowest
recorded this century, only taking second place to the figure of
29 21 for the previous year. In all respects Enfield may be proud
of this achievement in the care of infants.
One of the main difficulties experienced during the year was the
inability to secure Maternity Hospital accommodation for all
those expectant mothers desiring this Service. The demand greatly
exceeded the beds available in the County Hospitals, the London
Voluntary Hospitals and those Hospitals in the country provided
by the War-time Evacuation Scheme. With housing conditions as
they are, many confinements had to be undertaken by our domiciliary
midwives in circumstances far from satisfactory.
The Council planned to open a Municipal Maternity Home in
the district but in spite of strong representations the approval of the
Ministry of Health was not forthcoming, as more local maternity
hospital accommodation was to be provided by the Middlesex
County Council.
Staffing difficulties were again experienced in all branches of
the Public Health Service, but the Health Department was able to
function satisfactorily through the loyal co-operation of all concerned.
I should like to record my appreciation of their efforts
during a difficult period and also to thank the voluntary helpers
whose continued efforts have again contributed so much to the
successful running of the Infant Welfare Centres where the
attendances have been so heavy.
WILLIAM D. HYDE,
Medical Officer of Health.