View report page

number of births resulted in the pressure on the clinics—particularly
at Chiswick—becoming acute, and towards the end of
the year a scheme was put in hand aimed at increasing- the Chiswick
clinic facilities for child welfare, as this clinic was being used
to the maximum capacity of the building.
The infantile mortality figure of 26.6 can be compared very
favourably with the national one of 43.0. It shows a considerable
reduction on the previous year's figure of 36.1, and it is to be
hoped that such a satisfactory state of affairs will continue.
The only infectious disease showing any marked prevalence
during the year was Measles, of which 188 cases were notified,
and there was no death from this disease. Only seven cases of
Diphtheria occurred, and this disease also caused no death. The
incidence of Scarlet Fever—65 cases—was light and the cases
were mostly of a mild nature. A report by Dr. R. A. Leader,
Medical Officer of Health, Ealing, and Medical Superintendent,
on the work of the Ealing and Brentford and Chiswick Hospitals
Committee, covering the work of the Perivale Maternity Hospital
and the Clayponds Isolation Hospital, is included.
In November, 1946, a Domestic Help Organiser (Mrs. J.
Robbins) was appointed, at first on a temporary basis, to develop
and organise an important and growing service. The service
rapidly gained in popularity and bids fair to become an important
part of the personal health services; 20 worbers were being
employed at the end of the year.
The School Medical Services during 1946 were in a transitional
stage following the Divisional Scheme of Administration
subsequent to the introduction of the Education Act, 1944. The
School Medical work was integrated with the Maternity and Child
Welfare work to a very large degree, the Health Visitors acting
in addition as School Nurses. Figures are given showing the
work carried out in the various sections. A report by Miss A. S.
Stewart, Senior Dental Officer, on the Dental Services, is included.
I would like to take this opportunity of registering my sincere
thanks, first, to the ladies who have worked so well in a voluntary
capacity in the various clinics, second, to the staff in the Public
Health Department who have co-operated so loyally, third to
my colleagues in the other Departments in the Town Hall, and
last, but not least, to you, Mr. Mayor and Ladies and Gentlemen,
who have been so helpful and friendly in a difficult period of
transition.
I am, Ladies and (ientlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
O. C. DOBSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
6