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
Orpington 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Orpington]
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This again is of importance when applying social health services.
| Ward | Acreage | Population | Persons per acre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biggin Hill | 2,411.20 | 3,426 | 1.4 |
| Chelsfield | 1,227.26 | 627 | 0.5 |
| Crofton North | 422.64 | 4,254 | 10.0 |
| Crofton South | 883.22 | 5,810 | 6.6 |
| Cudham | 2,057.08 | 999 | 0.5 |
| Downe | 1,661.00 | 946 | 0.5 |
| Farnborough | 1,283.66 | 3,962 | 3.0 |
| Goddington North | 482.73 | 4,607 | 9.5 |
| Goddington South | 684.83 | 4,366 | 6.4 |
| Green Street Green | 2,169.48 | 6,385 | 3.0 |
| Knockholt | 2,497.10 | 1,148 | 0.5 |
| Knoll | 483.13 | 5,271 | 10.9 |
| Leaves Green | 1,909.54 | 591 | 0.3 |
| Petts Wood | 482.53 | 6,960 | 14.4 |
| Poverest | 279.49 | 4,762 | 17.0 |
| St. Mary Cray | 1.907.14 | 4,736 | 2.5 |
| 20,842.03 | 58,850 |
Births.
The rate of 16.3 per 1,000 population is given by the Registrar
General, which shows a fall compared with recent years. The
average yearly birth rate since 1934 is 19 per 1,000 population,
so that this year's rate compares unfavourably with pre-war
years.
In the first few years following a war the birth rate rises,
and the indication for 1948 shows that a fall may now be
expected. In Orpington, however, the birth rate does not
fluctuate abnormally from year to year.
The excess of births over deaths was 461. The births actually
occurring in Orpington reach a high figure, because of Farnborough
Hospital with its large maternity section, thus requiring
a large outward transfer list before one is able to calculate the
true birth rate.
Births occurring in Nursing Homes in the district totalled
25, while those occurring at home, and attended by doctor or
midwife, are not available to me.
Illegitimate Births.
The illegitimate rate (per 1,000 births) for 1948 was 42. This
rate varies from year to year. The average rate over the 14
years from 1934 was 45 per 1,000 births, and for the six years
1936-1941 the average yearly rate was 38, rising to 52 for the six
years 1942-1947,