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3
The infantile mortality rate, that is the number of children
per 1,000 live births dying in the first year of life, a
sensitive index of the social and economic life of the district,
at 22.8 per 1,000, was the lowest ever recorded in the
Borough. There has, indeed, been a progressive fall in this
rate in the Borough during the past 35 years which is well
illustrated by the table on page 13. While improved housing
and nutrition and higher standards of living generally
have played an important part, the effect of Child Welfare
Services in helping to bring about a more enlightened
attitude in relation to child care must also be borne in mind.
During 1948 there were no deaths from infantile diarrhoea
compared with 8 in 1947, a factor which in itself was conducive
to a satisfactory Infant Mortality Rate.
No cases of diphtheria were notified during 1948, a
significant fact which may well be related to the immunisation
campaign which has been intensively followed since 1938.
During the year much work was done in regard to Health
Education and attention is drawn to that part of the Senior
Sanitary Inspector's report relating to the Food Hygiene
Campaign during which useful work was carried out in popularizing
the uses of detergents by caterers and other food
traders and in the fostering of a higher standard of personal
hygiene.
The year 1948 was remarkable for the coming into
operation of the National Health Service Act, 1946, as a
result of which the Borough Council ceased to be a Welfare
Authority and their Maternity and Child Welfare Services
were transferred to the County Council. A review of the
records of the Borough of Erith in regard to these services
shows well the great progress that had been made under the
powers possessed by the Council and, while there is a natural
regret at the loss of these functions, there may also be a
legitimate pride in past achievements.
I am sure that Dr. Thompson would wish me, on his
behalf, to thank the Council for their support and help during
1948 and to extend this also to all members of the Health
Department who worked loyally and well during a period of
transition.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN LANDON,
Medical Officer of Health.