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 1929
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bethnal Green Borough]
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Causes of death in inquest cases:—
| Natural causes | 13 |
| Misadventure: Operative shock | 1 |
| Accidental: Asphyxia 3; poisoning 1; septicaemia and tetanus 2; falls 19; run over 19; drowned 2 | 46 |
| Open Verdict: Asphyxia in bed 1; abortion 2; found drowned 1; food poisoning 1 | 5 |
| Starvation and exposure | 1 |
| Suicide | 19 |
| Total | 85 |
In all the 52 cases in which a post-mortem examination
was made but no inquest was held, the deaths
were due to "Natural Causes." The bodies came mostly
from private houses (45), 5 from local hospitals and 2
brought in by the police. The ages in these cases were
as follow :—
Under 1 year 4
Over 1 year and under 5 years 2
,, 5 ,, ,, 15 1
,, 15 ,, ,, 25 -
„ 25 „ „ 45 7
„ 45 „ „ 65 21
„ 65 „ „ 75 13
„ 75 4
52