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Loss of Infant Life
Statistics for the loss of infant life are divided into those occurring
before Birth (Stillbirths) and those occurring between birth and the
first Birthday (Infant Deaths). The Infant Deaths are further divided
into those occurring in the first month of life (Neo-Natal deaths) and
those occurring between 1-12 months of age.
During the year 43 children died during the first year of life and
there were 30 Stillbirths.
Distribution of Infant Deaths
Under one day 13
One/Seven days 11
One/Four weeks
One/Twelve months 16
Trends over the past 25 years show that the greatest reduction
has been made in the death rate for infants aged between 1 and 12
months. Neo-Natal deaths and stillbirths have responded less
dramatically to our efforts.
The prevailing perinatal mortality rate (Stillbirths and deaths in
the first week of life) of 34 per 1,000 live and stillbirths for England
and Wales is considered by the Ministry of Health to be too high, and
compares unfavourably with some other Countries. It is estimated
that in England and Wales alone the numbers of such deaths could be
reduced by 5,000 per annum by raising the general standard of care of
the premature baby, and by adopting
Although there are bound to be fluctuations in local figures from
year to year due to the comparatively small numbers dealt with, the
overall trend would appear to be downwards.
The infant death rate for 1960 was 20.4. This is higher than the
figure of 17.2 for 1959, but is still lower than the rate of 21.7 for
England and Wales.
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