JBFtAr/ THE RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL OF GAINSBOROUGH REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH FOR THE YEAR 19 5^1 Caldlcotts, Printers, Trinity Street, C3Kilnst)orough J 1 •V- i*,; '} ■ 4 ■>r ■ •<t'' ;»’-, ■4 ■i •i . ' ■r( GAINSBOROUGH RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL llllllll lllllll Chairman : J. J. ALLEN, J.P., Scotton Vice-Chairman : A. SMITHSON. Morton Clerk of the Council : EDGAR A. DONSON, R.D.C. Offices 17, Morley Street, Gainsborough iiiiiniiiiinii STAFF OF PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Medical Officer of Health : Dr J. C MACARTNEY, M.D.(Edin.), D.P.H. Sanitary Inspector : E. DONELLY, A.I.S.E., CR.S.I. ONE ANNUAL REPORT of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1951 TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE GAINSBOROUGH RURAL DISTRICT COUNCII,. 12th August, 1952. Sir, Madam and Gentlemen, In presenting my report for the year 1951, I am pleased to say that the healthiness of our Gainsborough Rural District has been highly satisfactory. The estimated population, which now includes non-civilians, has risen by 610 to 12,810. Compared with the rest of the country the Birth Rate (21.9) was very high and the Death Rate (10.1) was exceptionally low. Infantile Mortality Rate (38.7) was not unreasonable considering the high birth rate, and the fact that the nine infantile deaths included six due to gross prematurity and two due to congenital causes. These conditions allow no scope for prevention. Regarding the causes of death, the majority were those due to advanced age. Cancer has been responsible for a large number of deaths throughout the country, as much as, about one in every six deaths. In this district the proportion was only one in fourteen. There was a very low incidence of Infectious Diseases and we had no Diphtheria cases. Accidents accounted for ten deaths but five of these were related to non-civilians (Royal Air Force). It is very satisfactory to note that no deaths were due to Road Traffic Accidents. In conclusion, I wish to express my gratitude to the members of this Council for their kindly and helpful consideration of all matters relating to Public Health. I also wish to thank all officials for the very helpful co-operation which I have always received. Yours faithfully, J. C. MACARTNEY, M.D. (Edin.), D.P.H. TWO 1. STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE AREA. Area of the Rural District 78,5yB acres Estimated Population 12,810 Rateable Value on the 31st March, 1951 £40,855 Sum represented by Id. Rate £170 The district is entirely rural in character and the sole industry is agriculture. It surrounds the Urban District of Gainsborough on three sides. The Northern and Southern extremities are seventeen miles apart and the greatest width is eleven miles. Part of the Parishes of Lea and Morton, adjoining Gainsborough town, are semi-residential. There are thirty-sevef^ parishes and the Council consists of thirty-two Councillors. 2. EXTRACTS FROM VITAL STATISTICS. Male Female Total Live Births 119 113 232 Legitimate 114 111 225 Illegitimate 5 2 7 Still Births 4 6 10 Birth Rate per 1,000 of estimated population Male Female 21.9 Total DEATHS. All causes .. 81 59 140 Death Rate per 1,000 of estimated population 10.1 Male DEATHS. Infants under 1 year ... 5 Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000 live births) Female 4 Total 9 .... 38.7 CAUSES OF DEATH. Male Female Total Tuberculosis, respiratory 1 2 3 Tuberculosis, other — — — Syphilitic disease 1 — 1 Acute poliomyelitis 1 — 1 Cancer 6 4 10 Diabetes — 3 3 Vascular leisons of nervous system ... 8 10 18 Coronary disease. Angina 7 5 12 Hypertension with heart disease 1 2 3 Other heart disease 12 10 22 Other circulatory disease 3 1 4 Influenza 5 3 8 Pneumonia 1 1 2 Bronchitis 5 3 8 Other diseases of respiratory system ... 1 — 1 Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum ... 1 — 1 Nephritis and Nephrosis 2 2 4 Hyperplasia of prostate 3 — 3 Congenital malformations 1 1 2 Other defined and ill-defined disease... 12 11 23 Accidents (other than motor vehicle) 9 1 10 Suicide 1 — 1 81 59 140 THREE COMPARATIVE TABLES. Births: Birthr Year Male Female Total Rate 1951 119 113 232 21.9 1950 120 115 235 19.2 1949 106 93 199 16.3 1948 129 113 242 22.16 1947 107 105 212 20.26 1946 Ill 95 206 18.18 Deaths; Deatht Year Male Female Total Rate 1951 81 59 140 10.1 1950 67 73 140 11.4 1949 67 52 119 9.7 1948 63 56 119 10.8 1947 72 59 131 12.52 1946 53 56 109 10.5 Infantile Mortality: Year tRate 1951 38.7 1950 25.5 1949 55.0 1948 28.9 1947 33.0 1946 29.1 tBirth tDeath tinfant Rate Rate Mortality England and Wales . 15.5 12.5 29.6 126 Great Towns .. 17.3 13.4 33.9 148 Smaller Towns . .. 16.7 16.7 27 6 London . 17.8 17.8 26.4 Gainsborough Rural District .... .. 21.9 10.1 38.7 t Rates per 1,000 Home Population, t Rates per 1,000 Live Births. SECTION B. GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES IN THE AREA. A. SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY COUNCIL. Health Information. Enquiries relating to local health services may be made of the Medical Officer of Health, 10/12, Lord Street, Gainsborough. The County Medical Officer is Dr. W. S. H. Campbell, O.B.E., County Offices, Lincoln. FOUR Many various facilities are available under the following headings:— Maternity Service. Child Care. Home Nursing. Health Visitors. Home Helps. Sick Room Requisites, appliances and other equipment. Vaccination and Immunisation. Mental Health. Ambulance Service. Minor Ailment Clinics for School Children. Infant Welfare Centres and Ante-Natal Clinics. The County Council’s clinics function at Gainsborough as follows:— (a) At Spital Terrace Clinic Minor Ailments Clinic School Clinic Infant Welfare Centre Toddlers Clinic Ante-Natal Clinic Dental Clinic Vaccination and Immunisation Sunlight Clinic Domestic Help Service (b) At Woods Terrace Clinic Infant Welfare Centre Ante-Natal Clinic Toddlers Clinic Daily 9-30 a.m. Tuesdays 2 p.m. Thursdays 2 p.m. 2nd Friday and 4th Monday in each month 10 a.m. 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday in each month 10 a.m. By appointment. Mondays and Thursdays 10 a.m. Organiser attends Thursdays 2 p.m. Mondays 2 p.m., Tuesdays 10 a.m. except 4th Tuesday in month. 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday in month 10 a.m. 2nd Monday and 4th Friday 10 a.m. In addition to above, appointments can be arranged at the John Coupland or other Hospital for school and pre-school children requiring Ophthalmic or Ear, Nose and Throat consultant services. A Rheumatism and Heart specialist is also available FIVE WATER SUPPLY. U) The water supplied by the Council is derived from the following sources and during the year was satisfactory both in quality and quantity:— (1) Council’s own boreholes at Glentham and Caenby, west of the Lincolnshire Wolds. (2; Bulk supply from Lincoln Corporatioii, the supply being derived from boreholes at Eikesley in Nottinghamshire. (3) Bulk supply from Glanford Brigg Rural District Cour cil for the hamlet of Susworth only (i.e., 35 properties in the Scotter Parish). (ii I Samples for Bacteriological and Chemical examinations were taken periodically and the results were satisfactory. (iii) The water has no plumbo-solvent action. (.iv) No action was necessary in respect of any form cf con- tamination as no adverse reports were received. A survey has been commenced throughout the area to ascer- tain which properties do not obtain water from public supply. In all cases where water is drawn from wells, water samples are taken, and when found to be unsuitable for drinking purposes statutory notices are served. When property owners are informed that the water is unfii,, it often happens that the work is carried out without the service of a statutory notice being necessary. HOUSES. Parish. Total No. No. with piped supplies. Blyborough 47 47 Blyton 246 222 Brampton 25 24 Corringham 133 104 East Ferry 44 36 East Stockwith 97 96 Fenton 75 74 . Fillingham 65 49 Gate Burton 22 20 Glentworth 78 61 Grayingham 32 23 Hardwick Supplied by Lincoln Corporation Harpswell 21 16 Heapham 39 32 Hemswell 99 89 Kettlethorpe 52 46 Kexby no 108 Knaith 48 47 Laughton 64 59 Lea 180 179 Marton 117 102 Morton Supplied by Gainsborough U.D.C. SJX (V) HOUSES. Parish. Total No. No. with pip Newton-on-Trent 71 65 Northorpe 59 42 Pilham 16 12 Scotter 316 302 Scotton 79 63 Springthorpe 41 39 Stow 104 86 Sturton-by-Stow 177 164 Thonock 21 — Torksey 50 26 Upton 66 56 Walker ith 22 22 Wildsworth 29 24 Willingham 126 89 Willoughton 142 122 Total ... 2913 2546 SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL. Blyton, Scotter and Scotton schemes were in progress during the year and house connections to the new sewers being arran- ged. The Council are now making a grant of £10 or half the cost, whichever is the less, for conversion of earth closets to water closets and quite a lot of applications were received. Morton scheme is about to be commenced and it is hoped that this scheme may be in operation at the end of 1953. Although the schemes for Lea and Knaith Park have been spproved by the Ministry, a commencing date has not yet been received. Schemes are planned for four more villages. REFUSE COLLECTION, SCAVENGING. A direct labour house refuse removal service is in operation throughout the district and appears to be working very satis factorily. There are six tips scattered throughout the area. These will answer their purpose for some time to come. They are treated at regular intervals for rat infestation. There is only one night-soil removal service in operation, which is at Morton village. This, of course, will cease after completion of the Morton sewerage scheme. SECTION D. HOUSING. Number of houses completed during the year : (a) by the Local Authority 39 (b) by other Bodies 12 51 SEVEN The total number of post-war houses completed at 31st December, 1951 was 189 and 58 were under construction. COMPARISON. AVERAGE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE NINE RURAL DISTRICT COUNCILS IN LINDSEY. POSITION ON 31st DECEMBER, 1951. Average Achievement Council houses completed ... 214 COUNCIL HOUSES COMPLETED PER 1,000 OF POPULATION ... 12.8 Council houses under erection 58 Achievement of Gainsborough R.D.C. 189 16.7 58 HOUSING ACT, 1936. — PART IV — OVERCROWDING. (a) (I) Number of dwellings overcrowded at the end of the year 11 (ID Number of families therein 14 (III) Number of persons dwelling therein 87 (b) Number of new cases of overcrowding reported during the year 2 (c) (I) Number of cases of overcrowding relieved during the year 10 (II) Number of persons concerned in such cases ... 41 (d) Number of houses again overcrowded after being previously relieved Nil SECTION E INSPECTIONS AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD. Byelaws relating to the Handling, Wrapping and Delivery of Food and Sale of Food in the open air are now in force. Copies of these byelaws were made available to the public and public notices thereon were made in the Press. Legislation alone will not solve our problem. Personal contacts using the right kind of education and persuasion, as well as obtaining the good- will of all concerned are essential in the pursuit of common cleanliness. Your Sanitary Inspector is vigilant and tactful in such efforts. Food poisoning is notifiable. However, no single cases, nor outbreaks due to identified agents or undiscovered cause, were brought to notice. SECTION F. INFECTIOUS DISEASES. The incidence of Infectious Disease was very low. 141 cases of messles and 25 of whooping cough occurred, none of which EIGHT was fatal. The number of scarlet fever and tuberculosis notifi- cations was very small, 5 of each. Influenza (not notifiable) accounted for 8 deaths and pulmonary tuberculosis only 3 deaths during the year. One suspected case of poliomyelitis was reported, but fortunately the diagnosis was not confirmed. The death recorded from poliomyelitis relates to a case which occurred the previous year. It is very pleasing that there was no diphtheria. A school-child contracted typhoid fever at Willingham. Here, the contacts were kept under surveillance and frequent laboratory tests were made. No “ carrier ” could be discovered. However, analysis of a shallow well water, used for drinking, revealed gross polution. This source of water supply was condemned as unfit for use, and we were fortunate in getting piped water laid on with the least possible delay, in spite of the distance from the public supply and of the difficulty in obtaining the necessary material. The patient made a good recovery and I am pleased that no further case occurred. I am very grateful to the Sanitary Inspector and the Water Engineer for their energetic co-operation and help in this case. NINE DISTRIBUTION IN PARISHES. TEN Hemswell R.A.F. DISTRIBUTION IN PARISHES (oantinued). ELEVEN Willoughton INFECTIOUS DISEASES NOTIFIED MONTH BY MONTH h o <u Q > o z O o a lU CO bi 3 QJ c 72 Cu < u X) (U Uh C3 —> iTi in m --H (N CM <N VO ^ CO VO CO CO CO <u > (U CO u C/D x; bc =3 O U C/5 u< <U > U be .2 U-i _c c o 3 'a, p 'o o o X Uh D 4> C .2 3 X a 00 <N Cv CO CN 00 CSJ VO CO VO CO TWELVE Diagnosis not confirmed TUBERCULOSIS. Respiratory Noii-Respiratory Ages M. F. M. F. 0—5 — — — — 5—10 — — _ _ 10—15 — — — — 15—25 — 2 — — 25—45 1 —' — — 45—65 2 — —■ — Over 65 -- — — — Totals 3 2 DEATHS FROM TUBERCULOSIS. Respiratory Non-Respiratory M. F. M. F. 12 _ Total 3 This is a and is worth to accidental small number of deaths from this serious disease contrasting with the large number of deaths due causes. THIRTEEN INSPECTIONS for purposes of provisions as to health. < u S b OT 'O t- O) O) *.3 a S P <L> O 05 O O C 05 a; 0) B ^ ^ 'Z, c S 2 2 2 2 I^- esj CU 05 ^ .2 4^ O ^ x: a; 73 CO :3 S 2 o £: < ^ o .S O 73 s S. X .-. <u M .ti 52 3 O £ x: O) 4.3 a >H ^ ij ci Xi o O J FOURTEEN