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
Bethnal Green 1893
Report on the sanitary condition and vital statistics of the Parish of Saint Matthew, Bethnal Green during the year 1893
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a death rate, calculated upon the births of 177.0. The corresponding
rate for the whole of London was 164.
The diseases most fatal to infants were :—
| Convulsions | 147 |
| Inflamatory Diseases of Chest | 143 |
| Atrophy and Debility | 137 |
| Diarrhoea | 80 |
| Premature Birth | 57 |
| Suffocation | 41 |
| Tabes Mesenterica | 41 |
| Whooping Cough | 24 |
| Enteritis | 24 |
The following letter was received from Mr. Lakeman, H.M.
Superintending Inspector of Workshops.
8, Finsbury Circus, London, E.C.
Dear Sir,
By Sec. 17 of the Factory and Workshops Act, 1891, "An
occupier of a Factory or Workshop shall not knowingly allow a
woman to be employed therein within four weeks after she has
given birth to a child."
It has been proposed to extend this period from one month to
three months, and to establish creches.
The Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Blackburn has
been read by the Secretary of State, in which report startling vital
statistics have been given, inter alia, that the death rate of Children
under twelve months was 241 per 1000.
With a view to elicit the opinion of the Medical Officers of Health
for London, in respect of employment of women in factories and
workshops, I am requested to ask the favor of your report, so far as
your district is concerned.
I have the honor to be,
Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
J. B. LAKEMAN.
DR. BATE,
Medical Officer of Health for Bethnal Green.