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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH FOR 1944.
In accordance with the Circular 49/45 of 19th
March, 1945, the annual report is again restricted.
Publication of population figures are, however, permitted
and the estimation given by the Registrar Greneral
for the Mid-Year 1944 in the Borough of Bexley is
71,130. This shows a decrease of over 5,000 on the previous
year, but can be explained by the exodus of
mothers and children when flying bombs commenced.
A summary of vital statistics is appended. It is
gratifying to note that, despite continuation of wartime
conditions, the general health of the Borough, as
compared with the rest of the country, was good.
The death rate in the Borough was 10.2 per 1,000
population as compared with 11.6 for England and
Wales and 15.7 for the Administrative County of
London.
The birth rate (21.06) was the highest since 1923,
but as estimates are made on population and the midyear
population for 1944 was low, it will not be surprising
if a smaller figure is shown in 1945.
The still birth rate (0.42) remained at a comparatively
low level.
The infantile mortality rate (31.37), though low in
comparison with the rest of the country, was higher
than that of last year which was the lowest on record.
This increase was due mainly to the early death of premature
and malformed babies, 25 having died in 1944 as
against 18 in 1943. The concern of the Ministry of
Health at the loss of premature babies is shewn by their
issue of circulars relating to the care of these babies.
As far as war-time conditions would allow their suggestions
have been adopted in this Borough and every endeavour
is being made to reduce deaths from this cause.
Maternity Home. 549 cases were admitted during
the year, abnormal cases again being included. Many
applications for admissoin had to be refused owing to
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