View report page

BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK.
Public Health Department
Town Hall,
Walworth Road, S.E.
Dear Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I beg to present my report for the year 1924. The year was characterised
by a cool and wet summer, and the deaths from Diarrhasa showed
a considerable decline. The general health of the Borough has been
good, no cases of Small-pox occurred but there was a continuance of the
epidemic of Measles from the previous year, with 77 deaths. The Birth
Rate for the Borough was 22.5 as against 24.3 for 1923, the Death Rate
was 14.2 as against 12.8 in 1923, and the Infantile Mortality Rate 71 per
1,000 births as against 68 in 1923.
There was a slight increase in the deaths from Scarlet Fever. but the
deaths from Diphtheria were the same as in the previous year, there was
also a slight increase in the deaths from Influenza. Encephalitis Lethargica
increased considerably, 31 cases being notified with 9 deaths.
Owing to deaths, sickness and changes in the staff of the Department
the work has been carried on under considerable difficulty, but in
spite of being shorthanded the staff has worked well to make up the
deficiencies.
I have in regard to this matter to report the death during the year
of Mr. Jenkinson, Sanitary Inspector, and E. Knock, Disinfector, the
lengthy illness of Mr. Bradshaw and the resignation of Mr. Dove. Mr.
Green was appointed Mortuary Keeper at Colliers Rents Mortuary and
Coroner's Court in place of Mr. Clark, deceased.
The Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme is progressing well, and
no changes in its general administration have taken place nor any
changes in staff. There has been a large decline in the amount of free
milk given away.
The Tuberculosis Dispensary is now under the charge of Dr. J. T.
Crowe, who entered on his duties in April, and a full report of the work
done will be found in his appended report. The staff remains the same.