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birth rate, the persistently low infant mortality rate, while the
maternal mortality rate has also been falling. Still more attention
is now being paid to premature infants. The attendances
of mothers and children at the health clinics themselves indicate
an appreciation of the services provided, the expectant mothers
coming to the clinics very early in their pregnancies. The Home
Help (Maternity and Child Welfare) Service was extended during
the year, while now, in addition, the Ministry's Domestic Help
Service is being provided. An agreement with the Middlesex
County Council has been made for the welfare of the unmarried
mother both before and after her baby's birth.
The infectious disease which showed rise in incidence was
dysentery, while during last winter the relative incidence of the
respiratory diseases fell. The local experience with regard to
the efficacy of whooping-cough vaccine has been inconclusive, and
before final opinion can be given still more observation must be
made. The number of cases of scabies remained high but has
lately shown a fall. The service provided at Wembley Hospital
has been much appreciated, and it is considered that the fall in
the numbers treated is a real indication of the numbers affected
being less than in the earlier war years. Verminous conditions
are scarcely a public health problem in the Borough.
Of course, the Borough is not without its housing difficulties
at this time, but the Council continue to be very sensitive about
the position, and their Points Scheme—an endeavour to place
applications according to essential priorities—is a model of its
kind, and should assist greatly when the scarcity of housing
accommodation is eased. The position of some families at the
present time is most acute, especially regarding overcrowding.
The service performed by the Day Nurseries is an important
part of the public health. With the end of the war in Europe
one may be allowed to express pride in the manner in which
the personnel, full-time and part-time, of the Casualty Services
responded to the trying experiences during the flving-bomb and
rocket periods last year.
With the delegation under the Education Act, 1944, by the
County Council, still further duties and responsibilities will fall
upon the Department, but this is an opportunity for a co-ordinate
and still fuller health and welfare service to be provided. It is
a very pleasant duty respectfully to acknowledge the services of
all the officers of the Department throughout these extraordinary
war years. I would like also to thank the Council for the way
in which our endeavours have always been appreciated.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
A. G. MORISON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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