Dr. Muriset, Medical Officer of Health for Rushden, presented his annual report at the meeting of the Urban Council on Wednesday.  The main points were as follow:

General Statistics

The figure for the estimated population is only 20 in excess of that for last year, so that the statistical information of the two years is strictly comparable.

  It should be noticed that the number of separate families or occupiers still exceeds the number of inhabited houses.

  The total number of Births for the district as returned by the Registrar-General for the year 1922 was 247, of which 136 were males and 111 were females, giving a Birth Rate of 17.97.  On comparing these figures with those of 1921 – viz., 273, or a rate of 19.89 – a considerable reduction will be noted.

  The table shows that the local Birth Rate still remains consistently below that for England and Wales, a fact which is much to be deprecated.

  The total number of Deaths for the district as returned by the Registrar-General was 132, of which 56 were among males and 76 were among females, giving a General Death Rate of 9.6.  This figure compares well with that for England and Wales – Viz., 12.9.

  The figure for this year shows a very satisfactory reduction over the figure for 1921.  Although apparently not as low as that for 1920, actually it is lower than the figure for that year, for the Death Rate for 1920 was calculated on an estimated population much in excess of the true figures as shown by Census returns.

Infant Mortality

  The Infant Mortality Rate (number of deaths among infants under one year per 1,000 infants born) for 1922 is 76.92, a very satisfactory reduction on last year’s figure.

  The local Infant Mortality Rate compares favourably with that for England and Wales, which for 1922 was 77.  Even better results are hoped for in the near future.

  Tuberculosis was the cause of death in 21 cases, giving a mortality rate of 1.52.  This figure slightly exceeds that for last year – viz., 1.23.  The Pulmonary Tuberculosis rate was 1.23.  This figure cannot be regarded as satisfactory.  It should be noted here that the official figures for other forms of Tuberculosis exceed the local compilation by 1, and the opposite is the case with Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

  Cancer accounted for 11 deaths, or a mortality rate of .8.  The figures remain much as last year’s.

  Heart Disease caused death in 17 cases, giving a mortality rate of 1.23, a considerable increase over last year’s figures.

  Bronchitis, Pneumonia, and other Respiratory Diseases accounted for 23 deaths, or a mortality rate of 1.69.  These figures show a very marked increase over those for the last two years – viz., 8 in 1920, and 15 in 1921.  The epidemic of Influenza at the end of 1921 and the beginning of 1922 may in some measure explain this somewhat alarming increase.

  It is satisfactory to note that of the 135 deaths 37% occurred in persons over 65 years of age.  In 20 instances the death of local residents occurred in other districts.

  The above table shows that the steady fall in Notifiable Disease has unfortunately not been maintained.  This year 79 notifications have been received, as against 42 for 1921.

  An examination of the table shows that the increase in notifications affects chiefly two diseases – viz., Pneumonia and Tuberculosis.  No satisfactory explanation of this increase has been found up to the moment, but an investigation is being carried out, and it is hoped that some reason may be found for this somewhat disquieting increase.

  During the early part of 1922 Influenza which was epidemic in the Town at the end of 1921 still caused much invalidity.  Fortunately, the disease was of a comparatively mild type.  During the Spring and Autumn Measles was rife among School children in certain parts of the town, but the disease never really reached epidemic proportions, and it was unnecessary to close any of the Schools on this account.

  A very successful Health Week was organised during the period 8^th to 17^th October, 1922.  At a Public Meeting called by the Council a Special Committee representing all the Public Bodies in the Town was appointed to organize a Health Week.  A very interesting and instructive programme was drawn up.  The Week was opened by Special Sermons relating to matters of Health in all places of worship.  On three evening in the week crowded meetings were addressed by Local Medical Men, and on a fourth by Miss Margaret MacMillan, while on two afternoons Baby Shows were held.  The later part of the week was occupied by Physical Culture demonstrations given by the School children and by Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.  The Schools took an active interest in Health Week, and prizes were awarded for Essays on Health matters written by School children.  By permission of the County Council, small parties were shown over the Sanatorium which is situated within the Town boundaries.

  If the enthusiasm shown by the people of Rushden at all the meetings during Health Week is an indication of the interest taken in health, one may look forward to a great improvement in the general health and wellbeing of the Town.

  In Rushden there is one fully trained District Nurse, whose services are available for the nursing of patients in their own homes.  It is expected that before the end of next year an additional nurse will assist in these duties.  No provision is made for the nursing of infectious disease.  The nurse works under the direction of the Local Nursing Association, which is affiliated with the County Association.  Financial assistance is given by the County Council.

  The Cottage Hospital has accommodation for two patients, but the majority of patients requiring hospital treatment are sent to the County Hospitals at Northampton and Bedford.

  The Institution for the Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis which was opened by the County Council within the Town boundaries has continued its work during the year, and an average of 50 beds have been occupied during the year.  Already a considerable number of local residents suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis have received treatment in this Institution.  It is interesting to note that the immediate results of treatment have been very satisfactory.

  As the number of cases of infectious disease requiring isolation remains small, the establishment of an Isolation Hospital does not seem to be called for at the moment.    The Motor Ambulance of the St. John Motor Ambulance Association has been made full use of in the conveyance of patients to hospital during the year.

  In conclusion, I have to thank all the Members of the Council for the ready assistance always extended to me carrying out my duties and for the kindness and consideration shown to me at all times.  I have also to thank the Officers of the Council for their help. And particularly Mr. Piper, whose high efficiency and tact stand him in good stead in carrying out his often difficult duties.

The Sanitary Inspector’s Report follows but is on the fold of the paper and half of each line is missing.