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A further improvement is to be noted in the Infantile Mortality
Rate which, at 34.88 per 1,000 live births for 1940, is much better than
the figure for 1939 of 40.30 per 1,000 live births. When compared with
the rate for the country as a whole, 55.0 per 1,000 live births, the
figure is even more significant.
The health of infants, in spite of war dietary, has been good. There
have been no epidemics of infantile diseases and no cases of malnutrition
and deficiency diseases were seen at centres during the
year.
There were no deaths associated directly or indirectly with child
birth. This fact is well worthy of recognition, and it reflects credit
on all associated with maternal care.
The Ante-natal Clinic continues to perform a very useful function.
Amongst the mothers seen at the clinic, few cases were noticed in
which war dietary is having an adverse effect, but possibly it is too
early in the war to make any pronouncement.
Public air raid shelters were under the constant supervision of the
Medical Officer of Health and the Sanitary Inspectors, and while it
must be frankly admitted that the shelters are only just within the
minimum hygiene standards for requirements of health, we cannot
recall any cases in which the spread of disease or ill-health was
directly attributable to shelter life.
The extent to which the shelters are used varies considerably, but
during the last four months of the year under review we probably
reached the highest figures of shelter population yet recorded.
In general terms it must be acknowledged that the health of the
population of this district during the first complete war year has
been exceptionally good. For future years it is to be hoped that, in
spite of extremely difficult conditions of diet, the provision of
vitamin concentrates, where they are most needed, should make it
possible to avoid some of the worst effects of war, especially in its
relation to the health of mothers and infants.
In conclusion, 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.
October, 1941.
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