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6
INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL.
During September the Diphtheria Block and the Cubicle Block
were destroyed by enemy action. The loss of the Cubicle Block in
particular has been a great handicap in the proper administration of
the hospital.
CLEANSING AND DISINFESTATION OF VERMINOUS
PERSONS.
As a result of war conditions there has been a considerable increase
in the incidence of scabies, for which treatment is given at the Borough
Cleansing Station.
INFANTILE MORTALITY.
During the year 1940 the number of deaths of infants under one
year was 12, representing a rate of infantile mortality of 35 per 1,000
registered births. This is the lowest rate ever recorded, the previous
lowest being 36, in 1937.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE CENTRES.
As a result of the two existing maternity and child welfare centres
being taken over for Civil Defence purposes, the alternative provision
outlined in the Annual Report for 1939 continued until June, 1940,
when it was found possible to resume use of Essex House Maternity
and Child Welfare Centre. The use of the shop in the Barnes parish
for the sale of food was then discontinued, the one in the Mortlake
parish continuing in use. Efforts were made throughout the year,
without success, to procure suitable temporary premises for a clinic in
the Mortlake parish.