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Borough of Mitcham
HEALTH REPORT FOR 1943
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have much pleasure in submitting my annual report for
the year 1943. The health of the Borough has been maintained
at a high level in spite of wartime conditions. The birth rate is
the highest recorded since 1931 and, except for the year 1939, the
infant mortality rate is the lowest on record.
The number of illegitimate births has again increased, and
the high infant mortality rate of these infants emphasises the
need for special supervision and consideration of this group.
The local death rate was 10.77 per 1,000, as against 12.1 for
England and Wales and 14.2 for the great towns, including
London.
The accommodation at the Eagle House Day Nursery has
been filled to capacity, and the Robinson Road Nursery, opened
on August 9th, had a full register at the end of the year.
The Welfare and Ante-Natal Centres have had increased
attendance; 88 per cent. of all infants and 84.8 per cent. of all
expectant mothers attended the Borough Clinics. There has
been an increased demand for maternity beds during the year,
and 69.4 per cent. of all births occurred in institutions.
The Woodlands Maternity Home was closed owing to an
outbreak of mild pemphigus, but it was re-opened after thorough
disinfection, cleansing and redecorating, and no further cases
occurred.