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That the Council are to be congratulated on the results of their
labours is well shown in the gratifying fall in the Infantile Mortality
rate. This year's rate of 30.85 per 1,000 as compared with the 58 of
the previous year is the lowest in Infantile Mortality figures for this
district since 1931, and compares very favourably with 53 for England
and Wales.
The far-seeing policy of the Council in establishing their own
laboratory in 1937 has been well borne out during 1938, the feeling of
security concerning our milk and water we enjoy from such a provision
is ample justification for the work undertaken.
The requirements of the Air Raid Precautions Act, 1937, have
increased the work and responsibilities of Local Government Officials
in every department and not least in that of the Medical Officer of
Health, who is the controlling official of all the Council's Casualty
Services.
So far the obligations of the Act have been met, and with
improved organisation and the delegation of duties, with the active
co-operation of the Medical Practitioners in the area, we may hope to
satisfy all the requirements of civil defence.
The graph, which was included in last year's report, has been
omitted. It is to be hoped that a quinquennial edition of the graph
will be sufficient to record the development of the district, and comparative
changes in Birth and Death Rates.
I wish to place on record my appreciation of the loyal service and
valuable assistance I have received from all the members of my staff
throughout the year.
I have the honour to be,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
PATRICK J. O'CONNELL,
Medical Officer of Health.
June 1939.
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