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7
The incidence of infectious diseases was notably lower than in 1931. Measles
was not present in epidemic form. There was a great decrease in the amount of
scarlet fever (387 against 627), and diphtheria (281 against 497). The number
of cases of pneumonia (all forms) rose from 283 to 371. The number of notifications
received in respect of the puerperium was 49, compared with 36 in 1930.
The number of primary cases of Tuberculosis coming to the knowledge of the
Department during the year was 305 (335 in 1930). At the end of the year there
were 944 cases of pulmonary and 264 cases of non-pulmonary tuberculosis, making
a total of 1,208 cases (1,217 in 1930) known to be living in the Borough. The
deaths from tuberculosis numbered 168 (165 in 1930).
The work of the sanitary inspectors has been conscientiously and carefully
carried out and the reports of the district and food inspectors show that a high
standard has been maintained, reflecting great credit on them. It is pleasing to
record that the following sanitary inspectors have obtained additional professional
qualifications during 1930 and 1931 :—
Laboratory Technique of Meat Inspection, Smithfield—
H. M. Kersey, W. Tedham.
Smoke Inspectors, Royal Sanitary Institute—
C. J. Couch, H. M. Kersey, H. W. Pendrill.
Advanced Inspectors, Royal Sanitary Institute—
H. W. Pendrill.
The report on Maternity and Child Welfare shows that this invaluable branch
of the Council's work continues to grow in usefulness, and that it is becoming more
and more welded in the general London health scheme. At the Eltham Health
Centre, which was opened by the Minister of Health at the beginning of the year,
there are clinics not only for the care and comfort of expectant and nursing
mothers and children under 5 years of age, but also for the medical and
dental treatment of the school child, providing an easy and definite co-ordination
between the work of the School Medical Authority and the Council.
An additional welfare centre, held once weekly, was opened at St. Luke's Church
Hall to serve the needs of East Eltham and certain small but important additions
Here made to the service generally, which are referred to in detail in Section IX.
The attendances at all the Centres continued to increase, the total number
being 53,115.