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PREFACE
To: The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich.
MR. MAYOR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I have pleasure in submitting the 62nd Annual Report on the
Health of the Borough of Woolwich. The Report is on the general
lines indicated by the Minister of Health.
Since 1957 there has been a steady increase in the total home
population of the Borough, which is now 148,140, being 1,290 more
than the previous year.
This year vital statistics call for little comment, except to
mention the rise in the birth rate to 15.1, the total of 2,248 births
being the largest number in the Borough for eleven years. The
principal causes of death were again cancer, coronary disease,
pneumonia, and bronchitis.
With regard to infectious disease, the one confirmed case of
smallpox occurring during January, 1962 resulted in an immediate
public demand for information and vaccination, and required an all
out effort by all concerned to check contacts of the case.
Fortunately, there was no further spread of infection, which reflects
credit on all concerned.
The year 1962 was a time in which a rapid expansion occurred
in the Council's activities in Old People's Welfare and Home Safety,
whilst excellent progress was also made in Slum Clearance and the
establishment of further Smoke Control Areas.
For some time the Council have been concerned at the plight
of those aged persons who, through illness, senility, or other
handicap, have become isolated from their fellows and who are often
lonely and homebound.
During 1962 the Council set up a new Old People's Welfare
Committee, assisted by two Sub-Committees mainly comprising
representatives of voluntary organisations, to be responsible for
this important work, and in co-operation with the many voluntary
and statutory workers renewed efforts are being made to brighten
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