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BOROUGH OF RICHMOND (SURREY).
Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1957.
PREFACE.
Staff.
The vacancy for a District Public Health Inspector which had
existed since August, 1956 was finally filled in April, 1957 by the
appointment of Mr. D. M. Hughes. Repeated advertisements had
failed to produce any suitable applicants. This was a serious matter
particularly in view of the prolonged illnesses of other members of
the staff, and the problem was finally solved by upgrading the post.
Mr. C. S. Smeaton, who has held the post of District Public Health
Inspector since 1939, became seriously ill in April. Happily, he made
steady progress and was able to return to duty towards the end of
July.
Mrs. M. M. Sumpter became seriously ill in July and was still off
duty at the end of the year. I am pleased to report that she is now
making good progress towards recovery.
Mr. Aisthorpe's tragic illness, already mentioned in my letter,
together with the unusually high sickness rate amongst other members
of the staff, have caused great difficulties.
All urgent matters have been attended to but some of the routine
work could not be covered and this is reflected in the report of the
Chief Public Health Inspector.
Population.
The Registrar General's estimate of the population in 1957 was
42,450 which can be compared with the 1951 Census population of
41,944 and the population for 1956 which was estimated to be 42,420.
Births.
During the year 583 births were recorded (305 males and 278
females). This figure may be compared with 556 in 1956 and 851 in
1947.
The proportion of births taking place in dwelling houses increased
lightly to 24.6% compared with 23.6% in the previous year.
I am hopeful that this level may be maintained and that any future
improvement in the housing situation may gradually lead to an
increase in the number of babies born at home.