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3
Borough of Mitcham
HEALTH REPORT FOR 1947
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors.
Madam, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have much pleasure in presenting my report for the year
1947.
The year under review is the last full year that the Borough
Council, as an autonomous authority, administered the maternity
and child welfare services, Woodlands Maternity Home, and the
ambulance service-
Under the National Health Service Act, 1946, these services
will pass to the control of the Surrey County Council, or the
Regional Hospital Board of the area.
The rise in the birth rate has continued, and at 2139 per 1,000
is the highest since 1926, the number of births being the highest
ever recorded in the Borough. The infant mortality rate of 38 6
per 1,000, whilst considerably higher than the figure for 1946,
compares favourably with 41 per 1,000 for England and Wales
as a whole.
There were seven deaths of illegitimate infants recorded during
the year, and it is with considerable pleasure that I report that
additional hostel accommodation for unmarried mothers and
babies became available during June.
The attendances at the welfare centres have again increased,
and an additional weekly session was necessary at the Sherwood
House Clinic.