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PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
Town Hall Annexe,'
East Han, E.6.
MAY,1940.
To His Worship the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the County
Borough of East Ham.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit to you my Annual Report on the
health of the County Borough of East Ham for the year 1939, together
with the Annual Report to the Education Committee on the School
Medical Service.
It is with much regret that I record the death of Dr. James
Crawford, for several years Assistant Medical Officer of Health and
Medical Superintendent of the Harts Sanatorium.
The report is mainly statistical and, in accordance with the
request of the Minis try of Health, is confined to essential features of
the year's work. The tabular matter, in many instances, is abridged,
but sufficient detail is given to permit of a comparison with
previous years, and, at the same time, to form a continuous record of
the public health activities of the Borough.
The incidence of infectious disease has been noticeably low,
and the health of the Borough generally shows further improvement in
almost all respects.
Early investigation of illness and close supervision of
contacts have contributed largely to this end.The facilities available
in all directions for inspection, examination and treatment have
produced material results,and,had not the war supervened,would,this
year have established a record in the health of the Borough.
Additional and extended services in operation during the
year enhanced the benefits obtainable.
Although latterly some curtailment was necessary, clinics
were continued throughout the whole period, and I wish to record
appreciation of tthe help afforded to the staff by the people of this
Borough during the difficult times.
The medical arrangements in connection with the evacuation
of maternity cases, school children and others, were carried out with
the maximum of efficiency, resulting in little inconvenience to those
participating.
Much credit is due to the medical, technical and clerical
staffs for their work in the organisation of the Casualties Services
etc.,and to the Health Visitors andSchool Nurses for their assistance
at the First Aid Posts as Sisters-in-Charge. I acknowledge with
gratitude the help afforded by the personnel of the various A.R.P.
Posts and Depots.
I desire again to express my thanks to the Chairman and
members of the Public Health Committee, and to those of other
Committees with which I am associated. My thanks are also due to my
colleagues and to members of the Public Health Staff for their
efficient service and willing co-operation.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.
2.