London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Bexley 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bexley]
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| 1969 | 1970 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heart and Circulatory System | 5 | 5 |
| Urino-Genital System | ||
| Hypospadias or Epispadias | 5 | 6 |
| Hydrocele | 1 | 4 |
| Other | 3 | 4 |
| 9 | 14 | |
| Limbs | ||
| Polydactyly | 5 | 2 |
| Syndactyly | 6 | 4 |
| Talipes | 17 | 17 |
| Hip dislocation | 1 | 3 |
| Other | 2 | 2 |
| 31 | 28 | |
| Musculoskeletal System | 3 | 2 |
| Other Systems | 2 | 2 |
| Other Malformations | ||
| Mongalism | — | 4 |
| Other | 3 | 4 |
| 3 | 8 | |
| TOTAL | 91 | 93 |
The registration of congenital malformations is required by the Offices of Population
Censuses and Surveys at regular monthly intervals. Returns are made on the first day of the
second month following the month of birth, which would appear to be too soon in some
cases, e.g., during the year there were 7 deaths connected with congenital heart disease and
only 5 notifications. As two of the deaths occurred over the age of 4 months, it is possible
that they were notified as cases during the previous year, nevertheless, although malformations
occurring in Bexley are thought to be well reported, this is one of the few malformations known
to be under-reported in some other parts of the country.
The total number of malformations of the central nervous system for the year was much
less than usual and the number of cases of congenital dislocation of the hip was average. There
were no cases of anophthalmos. The number of deaths due to congenital defect was as expected.
BATTERED BABIES
In February, a letter, CMO 2/70 from the Department of Health and Social Security was
received drawing attention to this problem and urging Medical Officers of Health to consult
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