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Scarlet fever, measles and tuberculosis were more
prevalent than in 1941. Deaths from tuberculosis were less
than in 1941. Only 11 cases of diphtheria were notified
and this is the lowest number of cases In the 47 years for
which records are available. The attendance at the diphtheria
immunisation clinics was the highest on record. At the
beginning of the year clinics for the treatment of scabies
were opened. Afternoon and evening sessions were held at
Hounslow and Isleworth Health Centres but the attendances at
l3leworth were so poor that in March all treatment was
concentrated at Hounslow Health Centre, In May the evening
sessions were discontinued as the number of persons attending
was very small. Of 1317 persons summoned under the Scabies
Order only 623 attended and the defaulters were chiefly fathers
and sons and daughters in employment. On the advice of their
doctors or voluntarily a further 916 persons attended. The
total number of cases of scabies treated was 992 from 403
households. Owing to re-infeotion a further course of
treatment had to be given to 105 persons. The present
indications are that scabies is becoming less prevalent.
Much time and energy was devoted to the provision of
wartime day nurseries. On 2nd February, 1942,a nursery with
accommodation for 55 children was opened in Hounslow and on
1st July a nursery for 35 children was opened in Isleworth,
Parents make a contribution of 1/- per day, and the balance
of the cost is borne by the Ministry of Health. Mothers and
children continue to take advantage of all the maternity and
child welfare facilities and increases are recorded in the
attendances at ante-natal and infant welfare clinics. The
municipal midwives attended 568 cases as compared with 531
cases In 1941. The issue of dried milk and vitamin preparation
through the welfare centres Increases steadily. The school
canteens and municipal restaurants provided by the Authority
continue to be well patronised.
In general it may be said that the general health
of the civilian population is being maintained but some of the
matters referred to above will require to be kept under constant
review.
A re-allocation of certain Civil Defence duties has
permitted the Sanitary Inspectors to devote more time to their
normal duties and this is reflected in the records of work done.
Shortage of labour and materials and high costs are curtailing
considerably the remedying of housing defects and deterioration
in general housing conditions is taking place. Repair is
restricted largely to keeping houses "wind and weatherproof
and while present conditions continue nothing further can be
done. At the end of the year 50 houses condemned as unfit
for human habitation were still occupied.
The volume of work falling to the Department and the
difficulties in carrying it out continue to grow but the staff
have loyally cooperated in keeping the wheels turning smoothly
and efficiently, and in this respect I have been fortunate.
I desire to express my thanks to the Chairmen and
Members of the Committees for their support and consideration
and to my colleagues in other departments for their ready
co-operation.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
A.ANDERSON.
Medical Officer of Health.