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12
Infant Slortality
Although the rate of 19 was equalled in 1954, the 1956 figure
is really the lowest yet recorded, being 18.6 as compared with
18.9 in 1954. Set out in the appendix, page 85 are the usua
tables giving causes and age distribution. The greatest single
factor remains prematurity of which the correction lies mainly
with ante-natal care of the expectant mother. Measures suggested
by the Ministry of Health to deal with still-births were put in
hand during 1956 and it is hoped will prove effective in reducing
the neo-natal mortality rate. There was also discussion with
hospital staff about the treatment of infections in older infants,
Among the 67 deaths, 35 occurred in boy babies and 32 in
girls. Of the births, 1,915 were males and 1,689 females. The
infantile mortality rate for the two sexes was, therefore, Boys18,
Girls-19.
59 deaths of infants occurred in Institutions, including
Registered Nursing Homes.
For details of infant deaths see the appendix, page 84.
Ward Statistics
These are tabulated in the usual form in the appendix, page
86. The significance of this table must not be over estimated
as many fallacies may arise since the sex and age ratios in the
different areas are not known. It is obvious from the high birth
rate at New Addington, which is twice that of the borough as a
whole, that it contains many young married couples. On the other
hand that the highest death rate is recorded from the South Ward
does not imply that it is the most unhealthy area of the borough,
It has a high proportion of elderly persons. However, a high
infant mortality rate for example, leads to enquiry about services
and the table is thus useful in planning deployment of staff and
resources.
Deaths
The Registrar General's Table is given in the appendix, page
87. Comparisons with 1955 show there were no deaths from Whooping
Cough as against 1 in 1955 and none from Measles (one in 1955).
There were again no deaths in the Typhoid group and none from
Diphtheria.
The deaths from Pulmonary Tuberculosis numbered 25 (195535);
those from Cancer increased by 46; those from Pneumonia increased
by 10: and an increase of 63 was also recorded in those
caused by Bronchitis. There were 11 deaths from Influenza (1955
21).