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TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF
THE HEALTH COMMITTEE
My Lady, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I beg to present herewith a report on the health and Health
Services of the Borough during 1957, and again by courtesy of the
County Medical Officer, I give details of the Health Services administered
by the Walthamstow Health Area Sub'Committee of the
County Health Committee.
The vital statistics for 1957 were, unfortunately, not good.
With a population smaller by 1,400, there were 129 more deaths,
increasing the death rate from 10.2 in 1956 to 11.4 in 1957. Infant
mortality rose from 18.7 to 24.1.
In January three cases of Flexner dysentery occurred at one of
the oldest schools of our schools and one with about the worst sanitary
accommodation. Flexner dysentery can be a very much more serious
disease than its milder counterpart Sonne, but fortunately there was
no further spread.
In February a sharp outbreak of ringworm of the scalp and
skin occurred at one of the schools and attached residential institution.
Fortunately this outbreak was also soon contained.
At the beginning of July a case of hemorrhagic smallpox was
notified and later was certified to have died of it. The staff of the
Department was fully extended in combating this serious threat.
Before the "All Clear" was given considerable outbreaks of both
food poisoning and epidemic vomiting and nausea were reported
at a group of schools, and considerable work and anxiety resulted
before the situation was brought under control.
In October influenza reached its peak amongst all age groups,
and at the end of the year, and within seven weeks of each other,
occurred the deaths from an acute infection of the upper respiratory
tract of two young children attending the same class at school.
Over most of the year cases of poliomyelitis occurred, including
one fatal case, and from time to time there were sporadic and small
outbreaks of food poisoning, all of which required immediate
investigation and action.
The problems of the aged requiring domiciliary services or
admission to hospital or institution caused considerable anxiety,
because in almost every case of difficulty, the help of the Health
Department was sought by relatives, family doctors, or other
agencies. There appears to be a long waiting list for welfare
accommodation and accommodation for the aged sick is frequently
at a premium.