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To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Borough of Sutton and Cheam.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you the Annual Report
on the health of the Borough for the year 1949.
The initial phase in the development of the National
Health Service was completed. Medical practice became
adjusted to new conditions and new relationships. Divisional
administration of the personal health services of the County
Council was established advantageously. Welfare services
were co-ordinated and improved. The deficiency of hospital
accommodation for the chronic sick and aged continued, but
was greatly relieved by the arduous and efficient domiciliary
work of the district nurses, and by the active help given by
voluntary organisations in the Borough.
The general health of the community was good. The
birth rate fell from 14.8 per 1,000 of population to 13.2 per
1,000 of population. The death rate was slightly lower, at 9.8
per 1,000 of population. The infantile mortality rate of 21 per
1,000 live births is the lowest yet recorded. The maternal
mortality rate remained low.
One case of Smallpox occurred. Six cases of Poliomyelitis
were notified. Otherwise there was no exceptional incidence
of infectious disease.
A Mass Radiography Unit visited the Borough in August,
and again proved the value of this service in the early
detection of disease and in the prevention of illness.
Housing remained the most serious problem. Many
families continued to live in overcrowded and unhealthy
homes. During the year, 22 flats were completed and 41
houses and 36 flats were under construction. Schemes were
in course of preparation for 79 houses and 111 flats. At the
end of the year there were 2,606 applicants on the waiting
list. The need for additional building sites outside the
Borough was established.
The work of general sanitation, of the prevention of
nuisances, and of the protection of food, was carried out
efficiently under the direction of the Chief Sanitary Inspector
(Mr. C. W. Newbery), to whom I am indebted for his constant
collaboration on all matters affecting the public health.
The water supply of the district maintained a high
standard of chemical and bacteriological purity. Effective
control by daily sampling and by chlorination, was continued.
I thank the members of the Council for their advice and
help during the year, and I am grateful to the Officers of the
Council for their close co-operation.
I am, your obedient Servant,
ENEAS J. MACINTYRE,
Medical Officer of Health.
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