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MEDICAL OFFICER'S ANNUAL REPORT
Tel: HAYes 1901. Public Health Department,
Springfield House,
Hayes End Road,
Hayes, Middlesex.
May, 1963.
To the Chairman and Members of the Council.
Mr. Chairman, Councillor Mrs. Johnson and Gentlemen,
The term "vital statistics" is now one of common rather
than specialised usage and it is almost with diffidence that
I offer any comment on those for the district during 1962.
Although the birth rate is the sane as in 1961, the figures for
the still birth, neo-natal and perinatal mortality rates are
much higher and give cause for concern, especially after their
improvement in 1961. The death rate is a little lower, but
there is an increase in deaths from the cardiovascular group
of diseases, including coronary disease.
During the latter part of the year the Public Health Committee
took over the responsibility for Home Safety activities
in the district, and a part-time Home Safety Officer was appointed.
She has given talks to various organisations in the
district, and arranged demonstrations and competitions. Knowledge
of her existence is spreading in the district and there
is a growing demand for her services.
At the Council's Delegate Conference held in November the
Public Health Department again put on exhibitions. This time
they were concerned with clean air, housing improvement grants,
food hygiene, and home safety. Many people visited the stands
and discussed the material with the officers on duty.
Medical points continue to be awarded to housing applicants.
The number of applicants who submit certificates is lower now
than in 1960 when the scheme started. Some of the diseases
cited are severe, but the majority of certificates refer to
recurrent bronchitis, asthma, colds, and to behaviour disorders
in children. These ailments are undramatic and occur commonly
throughout the population, but it is quite certain that living
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