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per 1,000 total (live and still) births is 0.0. The corresponding Rate
for England and Wales is 0.8.
The Infant Mortality Rate, or the Death Rate of Infants under
1 year of age for 1,000 live births is 24.3, an increase of 1.2.
The corresponding figures for England and Wales, and the 148
smaller towns are 29.6 and 27.6 respectively.
1.—GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR
THE AREA
(i) Staff.
The particulars of staff are again set out at the beginning of
the report. As 1 have mentioned before, the Assistant Medical
Officers, Nursing Staff, and Home Help Organiser, as also the
majority of the Clerical Staff come under the jurisdiction of the
Essex County Council, in their capacity as Local Health Authority.
For my own part, I hold the position of Medical Officer of Health
for the Borough of Romford, and Acting Area Medical Officer for
the Part III duties of the National Health Service Act, 1946.
It is with very much regret that I have to report that Mr.
W. S. Gent, Senior Sanitary Inspector, had to give up duties, by
reason of ill health, and I wish to take this opportunity of recording
my appreciation of the conscientious service which he has given to
Romford for more than 20 years.
(ii) Laboratory Facilities.
There has been no change in these facilities, and they continue
to meet the requirements of the district. Advantage is taken of the
service by the Department, and by the General Practitioners.
(iii) Nursing in the Home.
(a) General Nursing.
There are at present 7 Home Nurses in this area. These are
employed whole-time in general domiciliary nursing, but one also
combines this work with midwifery duties.
Under the provision of Section 28 of the National Health
Service Act, arrangements are made for the loan of sick-room
equipment, and no charge is now made for this service.
Table 3 sets out the work of the Home Nurses during the year.

(b) Domiciliary Midwives.
At the end of the year 9 Domiciliary Midwives were employed.
All these have had the necessary tuition in the administration of
Gas and Air Analgesia, and all have the necessary approved