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8
Consideration of the vital statistics for 1968 shows a population
increase of 20 to the figure of 208,220 with falls recorded in the infant, neonatal,
early neo-natal and peri-natal mortality rates—the latter in spite of a
higher still-birth rate. The birth and death rates were both higher than last
year at figures of 15.2 and 10.8 per 1,000 population respectively. There
were no maternal deaths during 1968 and in general the local statistics
compare favourably with the national rates.
Progress with new developments for the health and social services was
made during 1968. The new assessment unit at the Junior Training School
was opened at the beginning of the new term in January, and has amply
proved its worth during the year. Again in the field of mental health, in
June a start was made on the construction of the long awaited adult
training centre in South Harrow. The resolution of the problems associated
with the development of the Day Centre for the younger mentally-ill at
Marlborough Hill, allowed a start to be made on certain necessary
preliminary works in preparation for the actual construction of the new
centre in 1969. The new purpose built home for the elderly at Sancroft
Hall, Sancroft Road, Harrow Weald, was finally completed during the
year and started admitting its residents in September. This is the third
such home opened by the Borough since 1965 in pursuance of a policy of
providing new Part III accommodation in or as near to the Borough as
possible. Unfortunately construction work at the Children's Reception
Home in Honeypot Lane, Queensbury, was held up, but by December
it became clear that this would probably begin early in 1969. Minor
improvement works were carried out during the year on several buildings
—the most important being the modernisation of the washing and toilet
facilities at the Headstone Drive Day Nursery and the conversion of several
double rooms into single rooms at Tanglewood Hostel.
During the year the Health Centre Sub-Committee of the Health and
Welfare Committee met on several occasions together with representatives
of the Middlesex Executive Council and the Middlesex Local Medical
Committee to discuss the response to the Executive Council's circular
letter sent to all general practitioners to ascertain their wishes in the matter
of health centre provision. It was finally decided to re-circularise the
general practitioners, but this time on a more definite district basis. The
result of these enquiries are expected to be available early in 1969.
In July, 1968, the Health Service and Public Health Act, 1968,
received the Royal Assent. This Act provides that different dates may be
appointed by the Minister for the coming into operation of various
provisions which will amend certain services provided under the National
Health Service Act, the National Assistance Acts, and the Nurseries and
Child Minders Regulations. In addition important provisions are made
regarding notifiable diseases and food poisoning. With regard to the latter
in October, 1968, the new Infectious Diseases Regulations came into force.
These are quite comprehensive and consolidate, with amendments, all
previous regulations relating to the notification and prevention of infectious
diseases.