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Turning to the various sections of the report, vital statistics
have again achieved new low records, especially the infant mortality
rate of 20.
The social conditions and the general provision of health
services in the area—although some were under "new managemen
"—require no further comment.
With regard to sanitary circumstances, the Inspectorate again
worked well under many difficulties, especially concerning the repair
of dwelling houses. Excellent work was also done in the inspection
and supervision of food and all the 144 milk samples were found
to be satisfactory. Good work was also done in regard to the
supervision of the manufacture and sale of ice cream.
In regard to housing, in spite of all the good progress which
has been made locally, the position, in common with that in other
comparable areas, is most depressing. Not only is there the general
shortage of housing accommodation, but the need of more small
dwellings for the ageing (with the consequent release of existing
under-occupied property) and the housing of the infectious tuberculous
or those families in contact with them, remain as health
problems of the first magnitude. Linked with the latter is the very
difficult problem of the control of Tuberculosis, especially of the
infectious case in the early stages awaiting sanatorium treatment
and the infectious late case requiring segregation.
There is little to note in the control of infectious and communicable
diseases except the virtual elimination of Diphtheria
(provided the required proportion of young babies can be kept
protected). Protection against whooping cough continues to be
given at the Day Nurseries and, during the current year, has been
extended to the age group 6-18 months (in conjunction with the
Medical Research Council).
I would wish to acknowledge with thanks the good work of the
whole of the staff of the Department, the help of Mr. Alen Wade
in the preparation of these annual reports, and the help and consideration
of your Chairman and Members.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
A. T. W. POWELL,
Medical Officer of Health.