London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Chelsea 1903

Annual report for 1903 of the Medical Officer of Health

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7
Respiratory Diseases.—The death-rate from these diseases in Chelsea
in 1903 was only 2.72 per 1,000, as against 4.14 per 1,000 in 1902.
The small prevalence of influenza and measles and the absence of
extremes of temperature account for the low respiratory disease
death-rate.
Tubercular Diseases.—The death-rate from phthisis and other tubercular
disease in Chelsea in 1903 was 1.99 per 1,000, as against 1.87 per
1,000 in 1902, and 2.2 per 1,000 in London in 1903. The average
death-rate from these diseases in Chelsea for the 6 years, 1897-1902, is
2.3 per 1,000.
Cancer.—Malignant cancerous diseases caused 94 deaths amongst
Chelsea residents in 1903, the average of the past 7 years being 73
deaths. Forty-four of the cancer deaths were of North Chelsea
residents, and 50 of South Chelsea residents.
Alcoholism.—Twenty-one deaths were registered as being due to
intemperance or to cirrhosis of the liver, as against 26 in 1902, and 31
in each of the years 1900-1901.
Other Causes.—A death of a North Chelsea resident was registered
as due to actino-mycosis; and a Westminster parishioner died in the
St. George's Infirmary from glanders, contracted from a stable in the
City of Westminster.
Deaths in Lunatic Asylums.—Forty deaths of Chelsea parishioners
occurred in 1903 in lunatic asylums. The average of the 12 years,
1891-1902, is 32 deaths annually in lunatic asylums.
Deaths in Public Institutions.—In 1903, 45.6 per cent, of the total
deaths of parishioners of Chelsea occurred in public institutions, as
compared with 40.2 per cent. in 1902. In London generally, 35.4
per cent. of the total deaths occurred in public institutions. The deaths
in the Chelsea Infirmary in 1903 formed 23.2 per cent. of the total
deaths of Borough residents, as compared with 21.9 per cent. for 1902.