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PREFACE
TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF THE
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES.
ANNUAL REPORT. 1957.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present the Annual Report on the
public health and social conditions of the Borough for 1957.
The Report is on a similar pattern to that for previous
years and follows the general lines indicated by the Minister
of Health, The information is given on essential matters
affecting the health of the people and the Report is in
accordance with Ministry of Health Circular 1/58.
I am indebted to Mr. G.C. Smith, Chief Public Health
Inspector, with special reference to Sections C-E, and
Mr. M.E. Powell, Administrative Officer, for assistance in
compiling the Report.
Population.- The estimated mid 1957 home population
given by the Registrar General is 38,590 an estimated
decrease of 200 persons compared with 1956. It is always
necessary to draw attention to the fact that this figure
relates to the resident population of the town and is used
for the calculation of the statistical data now presented.
The actual day population has been estimated to be about
300,000 persons who come to the town for business, education
and recreation purposes. This is a special feature of the
town which influences the volume of work and responsibility
of the Corporation.
Infectious Disease - The number of infectious disease
notifications received in 1957 was 664, which is 434 more
than in 1956. The increase is due to a greater incidence
of measles.
Only 2 cases of poliomyelitis were notified during the
year, each in respect of a person who had not been protected
by vaccination.
Further progress was made in the active immunisation
of the child population against diphtheria, Special
attention being given to administering "Booster" doses to
school children.
Vaccination again poliomyelitis - This new protective
inoculation proceeded throughout the year at a pace determined
by the supply of vaccine. Suitable arrangements were in hand
to use the material to the best advantage as soon as it was
received,
Vaccination against smallpox -This is voluntary and
calculations show that by the end of 1957 some 51% of the
children born between 1st July, 1956 and the 30th June, 1957
have been vaccinated. Every effort should be made to raise
this figure.
In general the health of the people was very good, and
a high standard of hygiene was maintained.