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TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF
THE HEALTH COMMITTEE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I beg to present herewith a report on the Health Services in
the Borough during the year 1947. This will be the last report
for a complete year on the Health Services as now administered.
The population still continues to increase, and the latest available
figure is over 124,000.
The vital statistics were again good. The birth rate was 21.8
and the death rate 10.7. The Infant Mortality rate at 29 shows
a reduction of five from last year. The illegitimate rate at 13 was
again excellent, and reflects the care given to such babies. There
were no deaths from enteric fever, scarlet fever, diphtheria or
whooping cough.
The flooding and contamination of the Lea Bridge filter beds
of the Metropolitan Water Board gave rise to acute discomfort and
anxiety, but was, fortunately, followed by no obvious ill-health.
The Ambulance Service was again fully used, the calls increasing
by some 35 per cent. and the mileage by some 44 per cent. as
compared with 1946.
The Municipal Dental Service was further extended by the
provision of a full-time dental team, and the provision of a dental
workshop.
The new housing provision made by the Council—particularly
for old people—is very welcome. The general shortage of accommodation
is so serious that there appears to be no adequate solution
within the next few years.
The Sanitary Inspectorate was again below establishment, and
worked well under continuing and increasing difficulties. The
Chief Sanitary Inspector, in his report, stresses the need for bye-laws
regulating the sale of food in the open air.
Your helpful consideration is again acknowledged, together with
the good work of the staff, particularly in connection with the work
done for the Health Section of the Local Government Exhibition.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
A. T. W. POWELL,
Medical Officer of Health.