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Much interest is taken at the present time in Poliomyelitis and I
am pleased to report that only three cases occurred in the Borough. Many
children have now been vaccinated against the disease and it is hoped
this will have the same good effect as in America.
Deaths from cancer of the lung continue to increase, from 54 to 62,
and I feel it is my duty to mention once more that cigarette smoking
induces lung cancer.
Deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis numbered 15 - five less than
last year, but new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis have recently shown
an increase, perhaps influenced by immigration. There were no cases of
smallpox, and no deaths from diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, scarlet
fever or poliomyelitis.
There is still a very serious dearth of Public Health Inspectors. I
have in the Department at the time of publishing this report only five of
the establishment of U district Public Health Inspectors. The specialist
inspectors have helped by undertaking district work in addition to their
other duties. Unfortunately East London does not receive its fair share
of the very limited number of public health inspectors which are available,
and the work suffers accordingly.
Fewer persons in the Borough are getting married, the figures for the
last three years being 976, 905 and 775.
Deaths from road accidents increased from 6 to 10, and over the
country as a whole now total 5,970. One wonders how high the figures must
become before drastic steps are taken.
On the 5th April a beautiful Holiday Centre for Stepney residents was
opened at Sandgate. Photographs and a description of the centre appear on
pages 20 and 21.
Under the Clean Air Act, 1956, a survey was commenced of an area in
the west of the Borough which will in due course form the first Smokeless
Zone in Stepney.
In concluding my report I should like to thank the Chairmen and
members of Committees for their helpful support and interest and to the
staff of the Department I accord my gratitude for the good work they have
done throughout the year which was a difficult one owing to staff shortages.
I have the honour to be, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
FRANK R. O'SHIEL,
June, 1959. Medical Officer of Health.
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