View report page

7
PREFACE
Public Health Offices,
Ilford.
September, 1953.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Borough of Ilford.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I submit herewith the Annual Report on the Health Services for the
year 1952.
The health indices of the borough have maintained their satisfactory
level. The rise in the Infant Mortality Rate reported last year (21.04
deaths per 1,000 live births) has not persisted, but the rate has fallen to
18.94, the second best so far recorded. The death rate for 1952 was 10 13
per 1,000 of the population, an improvement from 10.32 the previous year,
this in spite of the larger proportion of old people amongst us and the
severe fog last December.
There was no serious epidemic. Poliomyelitis notifications were 15,
with one death, and measles reached a very high figure with 3,166 notifications
with, however, only two deaths (there were 6 fatal road accidents
and 13 other accidents that led to death). The birth rate, however, did not
maintain last year's improvement and fell from 13.36 to 13.02.
Attention is drawn to the special reports in this issue by the Social
Worker for the Aged (page 19), Senior Dental Surgeon (page 66),
Ophthalmologists (page 70) the Orthoptist is now at work. Orthopaedic
Surgeon (page 71), Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon (page 74) a commencement
was made with tonsillectomy operations at the Isolation
Hospital; Psychiatrist (page 82) the full sessions are now implemented
the medical officer in charge of the Enuresis Clinic (page 85), and a
report on Home Safety (page 45).
My own report on Local Government follows, and is the reason for
this short preface.
In conclusion. I wish again to express my thanks for the continued
efficiency and loyalty of the staff in all sections of the Public Health Department.
I would also mention the kind co-operation and assistance received
from the officers and members of other Departments of the Corporation,
llford is probably unique in the extent of the help given by the Ilford
Federation of Voluntary Welfare Workers and to them, and to the
Women's Voluntary Services, and the Ilford Social Service Association,
I wish to express my appreciation of their help during the past year.
Finally, may 1 express my gratitude to the members of the Council,
especially to the Chairmen. Vice-Chairmen and members of the Committees
and Sub-Committees of the Ilford Borough Council and Essex
County Council with whom I work.
I have the honour to be
Your obedient servant,
I. GORDON,
Medical Officer of Health.