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
Edmonton 1914
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Edmonton]
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The number of such deaths occurring amongst Edmonton children, and
registered within (or without) the district was 159, and the births
registered within (or without) the district, born of Edmonton mothers,
numbered 1859 (Belgians excluded) ; therefore the infantile death-rate, based
on these figures, is 85.53 per thousand births. The lowest record is 74.55 in
1910. There were no infantile Belgian deaths. Thirteen of the 159 infantile
deaths were those of illegitimate infants—that is 8.18 per cent, of the infantile
deaths. Two inquests were held. Inquests were also held on 20 of the other
infants, making a total of 22.
The Infantile Mortality Rate at Edmonton Workhouse and Infirmary was
575 22 per 1,000 births there—a very high figure. A high general death-rate
is expected in Workhouse Infirmaries, because they are the last resort of those
without money and without hope of recovery ; but the same explanation cannot
be accepted for a heavy death-rate amongst children.
The Infantile Mortality Rate for the year in England and Wales was 105
in London, 104 ; in the 97 great towns (which include Edmonton), 114 ; and in
the 145 smaller towns, 104 per thousand births registered.
The figures for the Wards are as follows :—
| Ward. | Deaths under one year. | Infantile Mortality Rate. |
|---|---|---|
| Bury Street | 64 | 99 per nett i,ooo births in the ward |
| Church Street | 47 | 73 ,, ,, ,, |
| Fore Street | 48 | 86,, ,, ,, |
Table IV. enables the deaths among infants under one year of age from
certain causes lo be recorded in weeks and months of age. The information
collected by this means for the whole country will prove of great value in
indicating the true significance that should be attached to the mortality in the
various age groups.
This Table shows that just over 39 per cent, of the infantile deaths
occurred within the first month of life, and that just over 31 per cent, were
due to what are termed "wasting diseases," viz., premature birth, atrophy,
debility, congenital defects, and marasmus. Last year the figures were under
30 and 25 per cent. Wasting diseases are conditions that for the most part
manifest themselves at the birth of the infant, and depend on bad ante-natal
circumstances associated with the health of the mother, such as factory work,
drink, venereal disease, and the use of abortifacients, rather than on any external
influence to which the child becomes subject after birth, such as improper