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the sad and lonely plight in which so many aged and infirm people today find
themselves is in most cases, in the first instance, brought to the notice of
the staff of this Department. All such cases are visited, the circumstances
are fully investigated, and every effort is made to bring about the necessary
improvements in the home conditions, or in appropriate cases to secure removal
to a home or hospital. In this work the staff of the Department act in close
co-operation with the various sections of the health and welfare departments
of the London County Council and also with the Hackney Voluntary Association
for the Welfare of Old People.
Statistics for the year under review indicate that the health of the
Borough remains satisfactory. Caution, however, is needed in the interpretation
of statistics, more particularly when they are based on relatively small
numbers. True, the general death rate and the death rates from a variety of
causes show no great variation as compared with recent years, but morbitity
(sickness) rates, which are not always readily obtainable, rather than death
rates, are probably a truer index of the health of a people; it is to be
regretted that more detailed information in regard to sickness is not available
to local authorities.
In conclusion, I would like to express to the staff of the Department my
very best thanks for the help and co-operation I have received from them one
and all since I came to Hackney. I wish especially to record my warm appreciation
of the able help, in dealing with special cases, which the Department continues
to receive from Dr. D. Bielenky, one of our local general practitioners
who acts as Deputy Medical Officer in my absence and at other times.
I am, Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN FENTON.
Medical Officer of Health,