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5
whilst radiologically all the 329 children were diagnosed as being
free from active rickets. These results compared very favourably
indeed with those for the 23 selected areas. The conclusion reached
by the investigators was that there is no evidence of any war-time
increase in the incidence of rickets.
There was an increase in the number of visits paid by the
reduced staff of sanitary inspectors and an increase in the number
of notices served for housing defects. Increasing labour difficulties
and shortage of material made the work of the sanitary inspectors
more difficult than usual as is evidenced by the fact that it was
necessary to take legal proceedings against the owners of 42 houses
in the Borough to secure compliance with statutory notices.
I have once more to record my appreciation of the work of the
staff of the Department whose co-operation has made it possible
for the residents of the Borough to receive a full and satisfactory
health service despite the difficulties arising from protracted
war-time conditions. The newest branch of the staff, viz., the
war-time day nursery staff, has given the excellent service which
is expected of the Public Health Department, and has received the
merited commendation of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee
on several occasions.
It must be borne in mind that the work described in this
Report has gone on side by side with the work of civil defence
which has required, both during and between raids, the help of
practically every member of the Public Health Department either
as volunteers in Control Room duty or in connection with the
administration of the Light Rescue Depots, First Aid Posts,
Mortuaries and in giving assistance at air raid incidents. It would
have been, for instance, impossible to carry on the fixed and mobile
first aid posts unless the health visitors—who are trained nurses—
had volunteered for duty. No member of my staff has received
additional remuneration for civil defence duty. The Mobile First
Aid Unit was present at every flying bomb incident that occurred
from the commencement of those incidents.
Finally, I have to acknowledge the continued support of the
Chairmen and members of the Public Health and Maternity and
Child Welfare Committee which has contributed to the smooth
working of the Department despite the handicaps of present
conditions.
G. H. DART,
Medical Officer of Health.