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2.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR
19 5 4
To: The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Chingford Corporation.
Mr. Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors,
I have pleasure in submitting my Annual Report for the year 1954
upon the health and sanitary circumstances of the Borough.
The estimated population for the year was 47,600.
Vital Statistics: The birth-rate was 11.7 per thousand, which is
lower than that for 1953, viz: 12.6, and is, in fact, the lowest
yet recorded.
The death-rate was 8 per thousand (8.1 in 1953).
The principal causes of death were Cancer and Heart Disease. These
diseases and conditions associated with them were the cause of two
deaths out of every three that occurred. Cancer alone caused one
quarter of the total deaths.
The infant mortality rate, which is the number of
deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births, was
23.3. This is appreciably higher than in 1953 (13.3) and is accounted
for by the increase in the number of infants who died from prematurity
during 1954. The rate for England and Wales was 25.5.
Infectious Diseases: A reduction in all types of infectious disease
was noted during the year, especially in regard to Scarlet Fever,
Measles and Whooping Cough.
Only one case of paralytic Poliomyelitis occurred,
which unfortunately proved fatal.
There was no case of Diphtheria.
Tuberculosis: The number of fresh cases of Tuberculosis occurring in the
Borough was 32, as against 44 in 1953.
A significant step forward in the campaign against
Tuberculosis was the commencement of B.C.G. vaccination of schoolchildren
in the year preceding their fourteenth birthday. Vaccination
was offered to all children in this group and the response by parents
was very heartening.
The Walthamstow and Chingford Association of Tuberculosis
Care Helpers continued its admirable work in giving practical help to
families of tuberculous persons, in the provision of milk, groceries,
clothing, holidays, etc. where help was most needed.
Old Persons: The problem of accommodation for the aged has occupied
the attention of the Health Committee and approaches are being made
to the County Council with a view to a hostel being provided within