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5
TO THE MAYOR ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF
THE BOROUGH OF WALTHAMSTOW
MR. MAYOR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I beg to submit my report upon the health of the Borough for
1963.
VITAL STATISTICS
The steady decline in the population of the Borough continues.
(There was an overall reduction of 930 in the mid. year estimates)
but this is mainly due to migration, especially to the New Towns,
and not to a natural decrease in the population In fact the birth
rate continues to rise with a practically static death rate. There
has been a small increase in the infant mortality rate.
With future developments in the Health and Welfare services in
mind we have indulged in some crystal gazing into predicted populations
for ten and twenty years hence but have been forced to the conclusion
that the policy of the Local Authority, especially in regard to the
provision of housing, will be the greatest single factor in determining
the size and age structure of the local population.
Diseases of the circulatory system and malignant diseases main
tain their position as the main killers. Of the malignant diseases
carcinoma of the lung is the one condition that is steadily increasing.
It is extraordinary that notwithstanding all the weight of medical
opinion, how indifferent the public seem to be towards this appalling
yet preventable loss of life.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
This was a Measles year, 1690 cases being notified as opposed
to 94 last year. Fatality from this disease was nil. Yet we cannot
ignore the fact that measles still exacts its toll of complications.
So much so that vaccine for its prevention is being actively sought.
Whooping cough notifications were also up from last year.
It is gratifying to record a nil return for poliomyelitis. We
would like to think that our immunizing programme is paying off.
The mild nature of most infectious diseases these days tends
to engender complacency but we must always be on the alert for the
occasional explosive outbreak of such diseases as smallpox or typhoid
which can disrupt the lives of whole communities.