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TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF
THE HEALTH COMMITTEE
Lady McEntee, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I submit herewith a report on the health of the Borough for
the year 1951 and as in previous years the directive issued by the
Ministry of Health requires me to deal generally with matters
within my responsibility regarding public health and preventive
medicine. The report therefore includes reference to the personal
health services of the County Council made in my capacity as
Acting Area Medical Officer and by courtesy of the County Medical
Officer of Health.
The Registrar-General's estimate of the home population at
mid 1951 was 120,900, a decrease of 1,800 since mid-1950. On
the basis of this population the vital statistics were again generally
good and compare favourably both with National rates and those
for London Administrative County.
As regards the health of the mother and child, there were
two maternal deaths from septic abortion. The infant mortality
rate was reduced from 26 to 23. Still-births rose but neo-natal
deaths showed a reduction.
The crude birth-rate of 13.5 and the crude death-rate of 10.8
were both below the National rates. The tuberculosis death-rate
at 0.31 was the same as that for England and Wales but less than
that for London Administrative County at 0.38.
Although the notifications of Whooping Cough were nearly
twice the National rate, no death from this disease was recorded.
The scheme of immunisation inaugurated by your Council and
continued by the County Council has no doubt contributed
materially to this position.
The following seem worthy of note:— There was no failure
to notify birth; the diminution of scabies; the continuing
shortage of hospital accommodation for the tuberculous and for
the aged and chronic sick; the increasing action which becomes
necessary in regard to compulsory removal under Section 47 of
the National Assistance Act.
The problems of housing, tuberculosis, care of the aged and
chronic sick and clean food remain in the forefront. The action
taken in regard to each is detailed in the various sections of the
Report.