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It will thus be seen that the introduction of the Act has in no way
lessened the responsibility of midwives, and the satisfactory record of
maternity cases and midwifery cases attended by the District Nursing
Association during the year under review shows that there is no falling-off
in the call upon their services. It is possible, however, that the proportion
of maternity cases (cases also having the services of a doctor) may increase
in relation to midwifery cases.
Elsewhere in the report, mention is made of the continued progress,
within the limits imposed, by the Corporation in the matter of housing.
The number of persons per inhabited house has fallen from 3.6 to 3.4.
Housing, however, remains one of the major social problems, and has a
direct bearing upon the size of families and the method of conducting
deliveries. While the domestic help service continues to make provision
for many cases, if domiciliary confinements are to be made more popular
more domestic help service at a reasonable cost will have to be provided.
The infantile mortality rate, as will be seen on page 16, was 16.74 for
1948, being very much lower than the corresponding figure of 23.70 for
1947. This compares very favourably with the figure of 34 for England
and Wales, and reflects great credit upon all services in this district having
the care of mothers and infants.
In reviewing the health of infants, while nutritional states noted at
infant welfare centres continued at a reasonably high level, one cannot
comment with satisfaction on the continued rationing of essential foodstuffs.
The need for more protein and fat in the diet of children and
young persons is still felt, and mothers find increasing difficulty in making
attractive and nourishing meals, which are so necessary for the growing
section of the community.
During the year, the department continued to make available additional
sources of vitamins, and also proprietary brands of dried milk. This
service, which has been continued by the County Council, was very much
appreciated by mothers attending infant welfare centres.
As compared with the previous year, the records of cases of infectious
diseases can be viewed with satisfaction. Only two cases of acute
anterior poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) were notified during the year,
as compared with eight notified in the previous year. Only one case of
diphtheria was notified, and the number of scarlet fever cases was lower.
Measles and whooping-cough provided the most numerically large group
of infectious diseases, particularly affecting children below the age of
10 years.
On the whole, the Corporation can be congratulated on having
completed a satisfactory year in relation to health.
Problems of refuse disposal, and the care of the River Wandle, will
continue to call for careful planning. Speaking generally, the state of the
inhabitants was healthier than in 1947.
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,
July, 1949. Medical Officer of Health.
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