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PREFACE
Public Health Department,
Town Hall, Edmonton, N. 9.
His Worship the Mayor, Alderman and Councillors
of the Borough of Edmonton.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have much pleasure in presenting my seventh Annual Report, for the year 1941.
The Report is compiled in accordance with Ministry of Health Circulars 2541 and 2604.
The latter Circular requests that on grounds of national security, certain vital
statistics, including population figures, shall not bo published.
In view of the non-publication of these statistics, I would mention that the
BIRTH RATE compares favourably with that of previous years. The DEATH RATE shows a
slight increase but is comparable with that of the rest of the country.
The functions of the Health Services have been maintained to their full
capacity. The health of the residents of the Borough has, on the whole, remained
good. The general incidence of infectious disease shows but little increase over
1940 with the exception of Measles and Whooping cough.
The response to the propaganda for Diphtheria immunisation is shown by the
satisfactory rise in the number of children treated - 3,102 as against 460 in 1940
and my thanks are due to all those who assisted in this work. However, wo have still
a long way to go bofore the position can be regarded as satisfactory and every effort
will be made to increase the numbers in the forthcoming year.
Dr. M. F. Covenoy left us to take an appointment with tho Hendon Borough
Council and I would like to record my appreciation of the very valuable services
rendered to the Department. Dr. K. M. Hart was appointed in her stead. Mr. D.H.J.
Newman returned to duty after twelve months' service with His Majesty's Forces.
Dr. R. Groville Samuel, who joined the Department in 1940 as Medical Officer, A.R.P
Services, did very good work in the organisation and training of civil defence
personnel, and a good deal of his work was concerned with the establishment and
accommodation of personnel; this was rendered very difficult on account of lack
of premises.
Unfortunately, Edmonton is not immune from the incidence of Scabies which is
prevalent throughout the country and a great amount of effort has been expended by
the Department in an attempt to keep this disease under control.
It is well known that the year 1941 was a very trying one on account of the
abnormal circumstances created by re-organisation of the country for tho purposes of
war. Everyone concerned contributed to this effort to a groat extent, but I would
like to place on record tho splendid co-operation shown by the General Practitioners
of the Borough; no request was ever refused and no effort was ever too great for the
Doctors to undertake and what they have done for tho Borough under very difficult
circumstances is very much appreciated by me.
I wish to thank the members of the Council for their courtesy which they have
extended to mo during the year. In conclusion, my thanks aro due to the members of
the staff for their loyal and efficient co-operation.
I have the honour to bo, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and
Gentlemen,
Your obediente Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.