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2.
Diphtheria has for many years been controlled by immunisation
at an early age. In faot infants are immunised against whooping cough,
diphtheria and tetanus by three oombined injections at monthly intervals.
Parents would be well advised to make sure their children are immunised
and have appropriate reinforcing doses. Infants should also be
vaocinated against smallpox, provided there is no contra indication, early
in their seoond year of life.
The tuberculosis death rate of 0.05 per 1000 population is the
same as that for England and Wales. There were 21 notifications compared
with 11 for 1963. Ten years ago there were more than 100 cases notified
eaoh year and this satisfactory state of affairs is due to more potent
anti tuberoulosis drugs.
There were no notified cases of dysentery or enteric fever.
The birth rate of 16.21 per 1000 population compares with 18.if
for England and Wales, both of which are the highest for over a decade.
The orude death rate of 9.92 compares favourably with 11.3 per 1000 for
England and Wales.
The death rate from cancer for Mitoham in 1964 was 2.32 as
oompared with 2.20 for England and Wales per 1000 population. The death
rate from lung canoer inoreased slightly from 0.69 - 0.72 per 1000
population oompared with 0.54 for England and Wales.
The infantile mortality rate was 18 per 1000 live births and
although inoreased from 10.18, a remarkably low rate, still compares
favourably with the rate for England and Wales - 20 per 1000 live births.
Clean Air Act - Smoke Control work progressed steadily.
I would like to conclude by saying the old Mitcham Health
Department is fitting very happily into the new Merton Health Department
now housed at the Vestry Hall, Mitoham.
On Dr. Graham's behalf I would like to thank the Chairman and
members of the Health Committee and all members of the staff who supported
him so loyally during the year. As regards this report, I would like to thank
especially the Chief Public Health Inspector and Deputy Chief Public Health
Inspector of the London Borough of Merton, Mr. G.H.Cockell and Mr. G.E.Hayne,
for their assistance in preparing the section dealing with the sanitary
ciroumstances of the area. I would also like to express my appreciation of
Mr. F.G.Taylor's help in preparing the general body of the report.
I would also like to thank all the members of the staff for their
loyal co-operation during the diffioult days of local government
re-organisation.
I have the honour to be, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Tour obedient servant,
P.J. DOODY
Medical Officer of Health