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
Islington 1960
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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12
COMMENTS ON VITAL STATISTICS
Births
The increases in the annual births and birth-rates, which began in 1955 continued
into 1960. Both sets of figures have almost attained the same levels as in 1947 which
of course was the peak year of the post- war "bulge". There is no evidence yet that this
tendency will not continue for at least the immediate future and those who are concerned
with planning for the future, whether of houses, schools, or goods and services must take
this rapidly rising population into account
12.6 per cent. of all 1960 births were classified as illegitimate This rate is also
rising and it would be desirable to have further information on the social significance of
this increase.
Population
The following table (extracted from the Registrar General's Returns) gives the estimated number of children under the age of 15 years in the County of London and in Islington.
| Under 1 year | 1-4 | Total under 5 | 5-14 | Total under 15 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Admin. County | 54,100 | 186,600 | 240,700 | 403, 400 | 644 100 |
| Islington | 4,900 | 15,100 | 20,000 | 28,900 | 48,900 |
Deaths
The following table is reproduced for the current year showing the seasonal influences affecting deaths due to respiratory causes
| Under 1 year | 1-54 | 55 - 64 | 65 - 74 | 75 + | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 2 | 10 | 9 | 20 | 44 |
| February | - | 2 | 5 | 5 | 31 | 43 |
| March | 2 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 28 | 54 |
| April | - | - | 5 | 10 | 11 | 26 |
| May | 1 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 17 | 36 |
| June | 1 | - | 2 | 6 | 16 | 25 |
| July | - | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 15 |
| August | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 19 |
| September | 2 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 13 | 24 |
| October | 1 | - | 2 | 9 | 13 | 25 |
| November | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 25 |
| December | 2 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 20 | 44 |