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3
Borough of Mitcham
HEALTH REPORT FOR 1946
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors.
Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have much pleasure in presenting my report for the year
1946. There has been a gradual increase of the population of
the borough, with the demobilisation of the Forces, creating
further demand on the health services. Housing continues to be
a most urgent problem, and the inspection of war-damaged and
dilapidated property has been a major task of the Sanitary
Inspectors.
The birth rate is the highest since 1928, and the infant
mortality rate of 19'9 per 1,000 is the lowest ever recorded in the
borough.
There was no death of any illegitimate infant during the year.
This is a notable achievement which I believe is due to the
increased care, supervision and assistance available to the
unmarried mother. The Mitcham Moral Welfare Association was
formed during the year and the Borough Council have made a
grant towards the salary of the social worker.
The local death rate of 9'2 per 1,000 is the lowest since the
war commenced, and compares with 11.5 for England and Wales
and 12'7 for the Administrative County of London.
During the year the Day Nurseries were transferred to the
maternity and child welfare authorities. Both nurseries were
taken over by the Borough Council and there was a long waiting
list for admission at the end of the year.