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Public Health Department,
Elmfield House,
High Street,
Teddington.
To the MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS
OP THE BOROUGH OP TWICKENHAM.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report on the
public health and sanitary condition of the Borough during
the year ending 31st December, 1942. The report is
condensed, partly for economy of time and paper, and partly
through the omission of" certain figures and tables.
In spite of continued strain of war, overwork,
fatigue and Inconveniences, the health of the people
remained remarkably satisfactory. Epidemic sickness kept
within low limits; only seven cases of diphtheria were
notified during the year as compared with twenty-five the
previous year, and tuberculosis showed a welcome decrease
both in the incidence of new cases and in a lowered mortality.
The general death rate fell from 13.0 in 1941 to 11.6 In 1942;
the maternal death rate fell slightly; and the infantile
death rate fell substantially from 70.95 in 1941 to 53.1 in
1942. There was still a heavy illegitimate infant mortality
of 102.3 Infant deaths per 1,000 illegitimate live births.
The number of births increased from 1,234 in 1941 to 1,525
in 1942 with a corresponding rise in the birth rate per
1,000 resident population from 13.4 to 16.49.
The Diphtheria Immunization Campaign showed
continued success. There were 3,802 new cases dealt with
a little less than in 1941. The number of oases notified
was substantially less than in any previous year, indicating
that the effects of the campaign were already being felt.
During this year, the volume of work undertaken by
the Department continued to grow. Once again I have to
acknowledge the great loyalty of the staff and their
unfailing willingness. I desire also to record my gratitude
to the Chairman and Members of the Public Health and Maternity
ard Child Welfare Committees for their helpfulness and support,
which were of the greatest encouragement through thi3
difficult period. I desire also to acknowledge with thanks
the friendly co-operation and help which I received from my
colleagues in other Departments of the Corporation and the
other Members of the Council.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN MADDISON.
Medical Officer of Health.