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for smaller towns with a resident population of from 25-50,000.
That there must be a death rate is obvious, and to find Erith
with such a remarkably low figure, bearing in mind also that
a large percentage of these are in upper age groups, at which
time of life more deaths are expected, is indeed very gratifying.
The infectious disease records show only a very slight
increase and there has been no evidence of any epidemics
during, the year, no deaths having been recorded on the death
returns from Diphtheria or Whooping Cough.
I am looking forward to my next year's report, when I
feel that after a year's working in yout midst I shall be better
able to give more detailed information on the Health Services
of this Borough, when at the time of writing it we shall no
doubt have very close upon us the advent of the new National
Health Service, when it might be possible to make some comparison
with the services offered by the new Act, and those
already existing within the Borough.
In conclusion, I would like to thank, on your behalf, the
whole of the staff of this Department which comprises approximately
112 indoor and outdoor staff. I feel sure that I am
right in saying that it is due to their loyalty, co-operation and
efficient carrying out of their duties that the services have
run along smoothly in spite of any changes which have taken
place at the helm.
I have the honour to be,
the Council's Obedient Servant,
C. G. K. THOMPSON,
Medical Officer of Health.