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FINC 24
BOROUGH OF FINCHLEY
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH FOR 1943
TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF
THE BOROUGH OF FINCHLEY.
September, 1944.
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report on the health of
the Borough for the year 1943.
The Report is prepared in accordance with the instructions
contained in the Ministry of Health Circular 10/44 and its scope is
reduced to the minimum.
The Infant Mortality Rate for the second year in succession has
been disappointingly high - it was the highest for nine years. I
am unable to give any satisfactory explanation of this increase in
infant deaths, but I am convinced that it is not due to any defect
or falling off in the Council's services nor to any lack of care on
the part of the mothers.
The fact that the Still Birth Rate and the Maternal Mortality
Rate are both very satisfactory does not in any way help us to find
the solution.
The Birth Rate has gone up again. It is the highest since
1921, and for the first time it has exceeded the corresponding rate
for the country as a whole.
Apart from the fact that scarlet fever of a mild character was
very prevalent, the position regarding infectious diseases was
satisfactory.
The supervision of food, milk, water supply, housing and
sanitary conditions in general has been fully maintained.
Once again I have to acknowledge the good work and loyal
services of the whole staff of the Department throughout the year.