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
Chelsea 1962
Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1962
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32
BOROUGH CREMATION SERVICE
The Borough Council, in October, 1957, entered into an agreement
with the General Cemetery Company whereby cremation facilities became
available at the West London Crematorium, Kensal Green, for persons
who, at the time of death, resided or were normally resident in the
Borough of Chelsea. A reduced standard charge of four guineas applies
in such cases and during 1962 arrangements for cremation were made in
respect of fifty persons.
The following table shows the number of cremations carried out in respect of Chelsea residents during the five years this scheme has been operative:-
| Year | No. of Cremations | Percentage of total recorded Deaths | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | 33 | 4.5 | ||
| 1959 | 24 | 3.3 | ||
| 1960 | 26 | 3.5 | ||
| 1961 | 31 | 4.3 | ||
| 1962 | 50 | 7.0 | ||
The progress of cremation in Great Britain and Northern Ireland
during 1962 was well maintained and 240,589 cremations were carried out,
compared with 224,553 in 1961. In terms of recorded deaths, these figures
represent 38.70% compared with 36.20% for the preceding year.
PUBLIC MORTUARY FACILITIES AND CORONER'S COURT
There are no mortuary premises situate within the Borough but, under
an agreement made with the Hammersmith Borough Council, excellent facilities
are available at their Mortuary in Fulham Palace Road, W.6., which is also
adjacent to the Coroner's Court for this area. During 1962, 281 postmortems
were performed in respect of Chelsea residents.
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
During the year, sixty-nine examinations were carried out on the
Council's employees and new entrants to the superannuation scheme. As
a result of the examinations, sixty-five proved successful, three were
referred for re-examination within twelve months and one proved unacceptable
for superannuation purposes.