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TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF THE
BOROUGH OF SUTTON AND CHEAM
Mr. Mayor, Ladles and Gentleman,
I have the honour to present to you the Annual Report on
the health of the. Borough for the year 1956.
The general health of the community was good. The estimated
population showed an increase of one hundred and forty. The
birth rate was stationary at 11.4 per thousand of population.
The death rate rose from 10.4 to 11.l per thousand of population.
The Infantile mortality rate remained low. There was no maternal
death.
The incidence of infectious diseases was lower. Measles
and Whooping Cough were less prevalent. There was an increase
in Scarlet Fever, Dysentery and Food Poisoning. Twelve cases
of Poliomyelitis were notified. No case of Diphtheria occurred.
The number of new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis again declined.
A Mass X-Ray Unit visited Worcester Park in March with
beneficial results and stimulated interest in the prevention of
diseases of the chest.
There is a continuing need for the better housing of many
families. During the year one hundred and twelve flats or
houses were occupied and plans for a further thirty nine flats
or houses were in course of preparation. At the end of the year
eight hundred and forty nine families had been accommodated in
new houses, flats and prefabricated bungalows since the end of
the war.
The work of sanitation, of the prevention of nuisances
and of the protection of food was carried out efficiently under
the direction of the Chief Public Health Inspector (Mr. C.W.
Newbery) to whom, on his impending retirement, I wish to express
my thanks for his invaluable contribution to the health of the
Borough and for our long and happy association.
The first stage in the reconstruction of the Worcester
Park Sewage works was completed during the year and a greatly
improved effluent was achieved.
The water supply of the district maintained a high standard
of chemical and bacteriological purity. Effective control by
sampling and by chlorinatlon was continued.
I thank 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.