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TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF THE
BOROUGH OF SUTTON AND CHEAM
Mr. Mayor, Ladles and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you the Annual Report on
the health of the Borough for the year 1955.
The general health of the community was good. The estimated
population shows a reduction of five hundred and twenty. The
birth rate fell from 12,1 to 11.4 per thousand of population.
The Infantile mortality rate remained low. There was no maternal
death. There was a fall In the mortality rate for Tuberculosis.
The Incidence of Infectious diseases was higher. Influenza
was prevalent at the beginning of the year. A severe epidemic
of Measles occurred In the Spring. There were sixteen cases of
Poliomyelitis during the late Summer and Autumn, Scarlet Fever
and Dysentery declined in prevalence There was no case of
Diphtheria. Fewer new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis were
notified.
A Mass X-Ray Unit visited the Borough In July and again
contributed to the early diagnosis and prevention of diseases of
the chest.
The Council's housing programme made further progress.
During the year forty seven flats and houses were occupied and
one hundred and five flats and houses were In course of construction.
Schemes were In progress for thirty three flats and
houses. At the end of the year seven hundred and thirty six
families had been accommodated In new houses, flats and prefabricated
bungalows since the end of the war.
The general work of 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).
I wish to express my appreciation to him and to the staff of the
department.
The first stage In the major reconstruction of the Worcester
Park, sewage works proceeded successfully and was nearlng completion
at the end of the year.
The water supply of the district maintained a high standard
of chemical and bacteriological purity. Effective control by
dally sampling and by chlorlnatlon 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 co-operation.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladles and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
ENEAS J. MACINTYRE
Medical Officer of Health,
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