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2.
Against this optimistic outlook, however, must be placed the fact
that the infantile mortality rose from the very low figure of 34 per
1000 live births to 54, this latter rate being only slightly under that
of the country generally, which was 55. It must however be pointed
out that the rate for Hendon has for a number of years been remarkably
low. An investigation into the cause of this increase showed that the
majority of the deaths occurred within the first three months of life
and that they were mainly due to respiratory diseases. They were spread
fairly evenly throughout the year so that no single factor could be held
responsible, such as shelter life or the overcrowding which took place
from families using their ground floor rooms for sleeping accommodation
once bombing had commenced, although such conditions are obviously
adverse factors.
MIGRATION INTO THE AREA.
In the Spring the threat of the enemy over-running certain of the
small European countries necessitated provision being made for the
reception of foreign refugees. The Middlesex County Council were the
responsible Authority with, of course, the co-operation of Local Authorities
within the County. Arrangements for billeting were made by the Chief
Billeting Officer but it was felt that each refugee should be examined
because of the risk of the importation of infectious diseases, many of the
refugees coming from countries in which the public health standards are not
so high as in this country. Moreover, these refugees had been living under
the threat of war for a considerable period, with a likely lowering of
general standards and it was also almost inevitable that arrangements would
have to be made for hospital treatment of various conditions. Altogether
about 250 refugees were received in this area but no serious infectious
conditions were, in fact, found and I am glad to say that the Chief
Billeting Officer was able to arrange for the refugees to be accommodated
in private billets almost at once, thereby obviating the necessity of their
living communally in halls, etc. , where any infectious conditions which
might exist would be likely to spread.