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diphtheria immunisation scheme which has been energetically pursued
since its inception in 1935. Provided immunisation can be maintained
at its present satisfactory level, diphtheria, as a health problem, will
almost cease to exist. Poliomyelitis was in evidence during the year,
but on a much reduced scale. With attention focussed on the epidemic
of 1947 it is apt to be overlooked that this is an endemic disease and
that odd cases from time to time are normal expectation.
The closing record of the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme
under the aegis of the District Council will give considerable local
satisfaction. The Service at the time of its transfer on July 5th had
reached a high standard of efficiency and its clinic facilities were being
used by more than 85% of the babies and more than 50% of the
expectant mothers. This satisfaction will be underlined by the
knowledge that the year which saw the transfer of the Scheme
experienced the record low infant death-rate and the fourth successive
year of freedom from maternal mortality.
The promotion of environmental hygiene and sanitation is an
unremitting task, patiently and thoroughly pursued throughout
the year by the Sanitary Inspectors under the able direction of the
Chief Inspector. This field of public health was the first to be developed
with such dramatic results in the last century and it is only in the soil
of a healthy environment that the more recently developed personal
health services can reach their fullest fruition.
Food control is receiving ever increasing statutory attention and the
administration of the growing volume of regulations and orders now forms
a major part of the Inspectors' work.
The greatest breach in our health defences is still the urgent need
for housing accommodation. Despite all our efforts, the amount of
known overcrowding, which is only an index to the total problem,
grows from year to year, and the present rate of progress does little
more than meet the needs of the yearly natural increase. No serious
inroad has yet been made into the accumulated shortage arising from
the many years of enforced cessation of building.
In conclusion, I would express my appreciation of the help and
loyalty which has been so unstintingly given to me by the staff. Their
personal enthusiasm for their work makes the greatest contribution to
whatever success your Public Health Department has achieved.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
F. LAWRENCE SMITH,
Medical Officer of Health.
August, 1949.
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