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There was an increase in the infant death rate, but this
rate was still well below the national figure. The causes of these
infant deaths are set out in full in the report from which it
will be seen that the majority are due to conditions the causes
of which are not yet fully understood. These same causes are also
involved in many cases of still births and as a result the
conditions causing death either just before or soon after birth
are now being very actively studied in attempt to find means of
cutting down this perinatal mortality This is an extremely
difficult field in which to find positive information as genetic,
nutritional and infective processes are all involved.
Home accidents are a major cause of disability and even
of death especially in the very young and the very old. This
truism is being realised more and more as time goes on and
especially as the ravages of infectious diseases are no longer
such a serious problem and no longer are the major causes of
disability and death. At last there are signs that manufacturers
are alive to this problem and are beginning to put non inflammable
fabrics on the market. By law they are now compelled adequately
to protect heating appliances but the many troubles with oil
heaters show how serious this safety problem is.
The work of the Public Health Inspectors went on during
the year in the usual unspectacular though none the less
efficient manner. In this respect, it is with pleasure that I pay
tribute to Mr E. H. Jenkins the Chief Public Health Inspector
and the remainder of the staff of the Department for their loyal
and most co-operative work The volume of the work done will be
seen from the record set out in the body of the report. There were
during the year three prosecuticns (i) Smoking in a butcher's
shop - a fine of £3. plus one guinea costs being imposed,
(ii) Nail in a loaf of bread a fine of £5, plus four guineas
costs being imposed and (iii) Unsound meat purchased from
a vending machine a fine of £20. plus three guineas costs
being imposed. However, although in cases like these the law must
be enforced most emphasis is placed on the educative side of the
work and this approach is used whenever possible.
The Chairman and Members of the Public Health Committee
have made the task of the Department much easier than it might
otherwise have been and I have much pleasure in expressing my
thanks to them for their great interest co-operation and very
ready help„
I am
Your obedient Servant,
O.C. Dobson.
Medical Officer of Health.
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