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6
The death-rate was 12.2 compared with 12.6 the previous year.
Deaths from all causes decreased by 141 and births by 308.
The event of the year in the Public Health world was undoubtedly the
nation-wide Campaign to Encourage the Wider Use of the Health Services,
in which the Borough co-operated fully. The campaign commenced in
September and has extended into the present year, 1938. Cinematograph
displays and lectures were given throughout the Borough and up to the end
of the year over 27,000 leaflets and posters were distributed. Much enthusiasm
was shown by the staff, and considerable work put in after hours and otherwise
in connection with the lectures and distribution of literature, etc. I am
most grateful for their help in this most important work, and there is no
doubt an untold amount of good must have been done for the cause of the .
Health of the Public, by this most useful effort in propaganda.
I have much pleasure in welcoming Dr. E. J. O'Keeffe and Dr. J. W.
Crawford to the medical staff of the Public Health Department.
The post of Deputy Medical Officer of Health, vacant since 24th December,
1936, was filled on 26th May, 1937, by the appointment of Dr. O'Keeffe,
who comes to us from the Borough of Bermondsey Public Health Department
and has taken over the work in the Maternity and Child Welfare section
with energy and enthusiasm.
The post of Assistant Tuberculosis Officer, vacant since the appointment
of Dr. Harley Stevens to the senior post on 1st August, 1936, was served by
temporary medical officers until 18th September, 1937, when Dr. C. F. Price
commenced duties. Dr. Price was appointed by the Council on 28th July
but resigned again in October to take up an appointment elsewhere.
Dr. Crawford, then appointed, commenced duties as Assistant Tuberculosis
Officer on 1st December, 1937. His long experience in the tuberculosis
service of the London County Council and elsewhere are proving a valuable
asset to the medical services of the Borough.
Mr. R. H. Waterman, a sanitary inspector, who had been in the service
of the Borough since July, 1907, retired on pension on 30th November and
carries with him into retirement the best wishes of the staff. His place was
taken by Mr. J. J. Coveney of the clerical staff, who recently obtained his
sanitary inspector's certificate and who is most deserving of congratulations
on his success.
Mr. F. Crockford, after over 16 years' service as caretaker of the Council's
Tuberculosis Dispensaries, and previously in the service of the voluntary
tuberculosis associations in the Borough, retired owing to ill-health on 6th
August and, I deeply regret to report, passed away in January of this present
year.
The London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1937, came into force
on 20th July and contains provisions for the inclusion of Noise amongst
Public Health nuisances and also extends to all tenement houses the provisions
made for the storage and cooking of food.