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5
Public Health Department,
Council Offices,
Billet Lane,
HORNCHURCH,
Essex.
20th Mav, 1963
Telephone:
Hornchurch 52555.
To the Chairman and Members of the
Hornchurch Urban District Council.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I beg to present my Report on the health of the district for the year
1962.
Population.
The figure has risen from 131,070 (mid-year 1961) to 132,400 (midyear
1962) continuing the steady upward trend of recent years.
Vital Statistics.
The birth rate for the year showed a slight increase as against 1961,
but at 17.15 was fractionally below the England and Wales average.
The death rate—at 11.22—was slightly higher than last year, but
is below the England and Wales average.
The infant mortality rate at 20.05 shows a reduction on last year
and is below the England and Wales average of 21.4 which itself is the
lowest figure yet recorded.
Infectious Diseases.
The most notable feature of the year was a case of Smallpox which
occurred at Rainham and which was subsequently the subject of a
special detailed report. Fortunately the case proved to be an isolated
one.
One of the major side effects was a widespread demand for vaccination
which manifested itself not only in this district but which—doubtless
as a result of other cases occurring sporadically elsewhere—achieved farflung
repercussions.
Clean Air.
Our Smoke Control Area plans proceeded reasonably and at the
end of the year confirmation of No. 5 Area was awaited.
Greater London.
Although this reflects largely policy it should be noted that the
joining of this district with Romford to form one of the new London