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ANNUAL REPORT.
To: The Mayor, Alderman and Councillors
Mr, Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the request of the Ministry of Health these Reports
are abbreviated, and of an interim nature. They are confined
to essential and a few urgent matters which have affected the
Public Health during the period.
The period has been one of extraordinary conditions in
every way.
The clerical technical and professional staff has been
depleted, due to the absence on war service of several members,
Immediate replacement on the same level has not always
been possible. Not with standing all difficulties, essential
Health Services have been kept going, and additional War
Services have been successfully overtaken.
The personal Health Services especially in Maternity
and Child Welfare have been expanded to meet growing need.
The environmental Services have had to be modified
owing to lack of staff and preoccupation with urgent war
duties, but all essential safeguards have been taken.
The health of the people has been remarkably good
throughout the whole period. I believe this to be due in
great measure to the success of the National Scheme of food
Rationing and the increasing confidence, in the services
provided by the Council, shown by the people.
I have been privileged to serve the people under conditions
of enemy attack and wish to pay tribute to the fine
courage displayed by the Burgesses especially by the women,
and by the Civil Defence and permanent staff of the Council,
I wish to pay tribute also to the staff of the Department
who by unselfish personal sacrifice and devotion to duty have
through these years fully answered all extra calls upon their
time and energies,
The presentation of these reports under present circumstances
is not an easy task. A special acknowledgement is
due to Mr. F.D. Harvey and the office staff whose labour has
made it possible.
On the grounds of National Security complete tables of
local population or references to War Time activities must
not bo made public,
I am, Sir,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J.W. STARKEY,
Medical Officer of Health,
Guildhall, February, 1945.
Kingston upon Thames,