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
Greenwich 1949
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]
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The total number of deaths during the year was 36 as compared with 44 for the previous year. The death causes of the 36 were:—
| Prematurity | 12 |
| Congenital Malformations | 9 |
| Pneumonia | 6 |
| Atelectasis | 3 |
| Injury at Birth | 2 |
| Gastro-enteritis | 1 |
| Whooping Cough | 1 |
| Other causes | 2 |
Of the above, 19 were male and 17 female. Thirteen died in
St. Alfege's Hospital, 19 in other Hospitals and 4 at home. Infants
dying before attaining the age of one month numbered 26, equivalent
to 72.2 per cent, of the total Infantile deaths ; of this number, 22
died in the first week. As usual, the principal causes were Prematurity
and Congenital Malformations.
A table showing the causes of deaths and ages is included in the
Appendix of the Report.
The following Table shows the comparative Infantile Mortality Rates for the quinquennial periods since 1931, together with the Rate for the years 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949:—
| District | Average for five years 1931-1935 | Average for five years 1936-1940 | Average for five years 1941-1945 | Year 1946 | Year 1947 | Year 1948 | Year 1949 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenwich | 75 | 50 | 40 | 34 | 26 | 26 | 24 |
| London | 63 | 56 | 60 | 41 | 37 | 31 | 29 |
| England & Wales | 62 | 55 | 50 | 43 | 41 | 34 | 32 |
REMARKS ON VARIOUS DEATH CAUSES
Classification of Deaths.—It should be borne in mind that
the statistical data compiled locally relating to cause of death may
not agree entirely with the figures furnished to Local Authorities.
Classification of the cause of death is taken from one or more causes
as stated on the medical certificate in accordance with the Rules
generally adopted throughout England and Wales.
The Registrar-General is able in cases where it is deemed desirable,
to obtain fuller information from the certifying practitioner.