View report page

Public Health Department,
92, Bath Road,
Hounslow.
To the Mayor, Aldernten and Councillors of the Borough of Heston and Isleworth.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report for the year 1962.
The birth rate showed a slight increase, but is still below the national
rate. The slow but steady rise in the birth rate in recent years is placing a strain
on the maternity,hospital and midwifery services where staff problems are still
acute. The proportion of illegitimate births was the highest for 40 years, and this
is a matter of some concern.
The death rate shows little change from year to year and keeps below the
national level. The chief causes of death are cancer, heart disease and cerebral
haemorrhage, and acute infections no longer play a significant part in mortality.
The infant mortality rate, still-birth rate and maternal mortality rate were
all lower than in 1961. Infant deaths continue to be concentrated in the early weeks
of life.
The prevalence of notifiable infectious diseases in general was low throughout
the year. The importation of smallpox from India produced the usual panic rush for
vaccination among adults, but it should be noted that the number of babies vaccinated
was fewer than in 1961. The response of parents to the facilities for protection of
children against smallpox, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and poliomyelitis is
disappointing. German measles was unusually prevalent during the year and many adults
were affected. Special attention had to be given to the protection of women who were
in the early stages of pregnancy because of the risk of congenital defects occurring
in the baby.
Much time and effort continued to be given to work in connection with Smoke
Control Areas. The co-operation of the public has been good, and steady progress has
been maintained towards completion of the Council's programme.
Attention continued to be given to unfit houses and the general maintenance
of housing standards. The number of applications for improvement grants is still
disappointing, and it is to be hoped that greater use will yet be made of these
facilities to modernise otherwise structurally sound houses.
Steady improvement can be noted in the design and equipment of food shops,
but personal hygiene by food handlers in the home and in trade premises is essential
if food poisoning is to be kept under control.
Throughout the year I have had generous support from my staff. I would like
to thank the Council for their support and my colleagues in other Departments for
their co-operation.
I remain,
Your obedient Servant,
A. ANDERSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
4