[Report 1955] / Medical Officer of Health, Matlock U.D.C.

  • Matlock (England). Urban District Council.
Date:
1955
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1955] / Medical Officer of Health, Matlock U.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    5/26 (page 1)
    To the Chairman and Members of the Matlock Urban District Council. Mr Chairmanj Madam and Gentlemen, I present herewith my Annual Report as Medical Officer of Health on the sanitary circumstances and vital statistics affecting the Urban District of Matlock for the year 1955* A review of ’ tlie incidence of infectious jdise^ses shows' ? that measles again heads the list ^d that i;6re than half t]|ie ! cases occurred iii the' five'year ol(|. ageigroup. All cases were | mild, but one hopes sovneday that pil*eventive measures may ■ eliminate the disease entirely. Vaccination against smallpox should take place from four to six months old and should be followed by immunisation against diphtheria one month later. The spread of any infection is encouraged by overcrowding and insufficient ventilation, which applies particularly in the case of tuberculosis. Apart from early detection, and in this respect Mass Radiography can play a decisive part, to avoid overcrowding and poor ventilation good housing is required. A comprehensive survey has this year been made of the existing housing facilities, more particularly in regard to slum clearance. Subject to present economic stringencies an attempt is being made to fulfil the requirements of the district. Of equal or even more importance is a supply of good wholesom.e food in adequate quantities. There is a large measure of agreement that food poisoning is largely preventable if food is handled hygienically, hence the publication of the Pood Hygiene Regulations '1955 which emphasise not only the importance of cleanliness of the food premises but of the persons engaged in the handling of food, and in the construction of premises with proper facilities. Resistance to infection is greatly assisted by proper and adequate food even if the housing conditions leave something to be desired. As regards the urban district great strides have already been made in the provision of adequate housing accommodation, and no doubt' these would have been greater had they, not had to be held in check for reasons i of economy. . . . * The birth rate, which ims higher over the years immediately following the war has now become fairly steady, and althou^ in 1955 much lower than in 1947 sli^tly exceeds the death rate. An analysis of the ages at death proves beyond question that most people living in the district can anticipate a ripe old age. Now old age, as all of us realise only too well, has it’s own particular problems. Life can be enjoyed to the full by many old people but they are not able to look after themselves satisfactorily, and even if they are their strength does not allow them, however willing, to keep their houses clean and tidy; they suffer infirmity rather than disease. The Welfare State is intended to make possible circumstances favourable for these old people, rather than to take away all family responsibility. There would appear to be on the part of many relatives, when faced witli this problem, too keen a desire, one might say, indecent haste to push their old people into hospital, rather than make or keep on making some effurt to keep them at home. The prospect, ever increasing, that most people will live to an even older age, behoves us to exercise that care and affection towards our old folk, that we ourselves would like to be privileged to enjoy when we get old I wish to thank the members of the Health Committee, and also other members of the Council fur their help, and thank also Officials for their ready cooperation during the past year. Town Hall, Matlock. am. Madam and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, G.L.Meachim. „ ^ Medical Officer of Health. May 1956. -1-