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Table III on page 15 subdivides the infant deaths according to
the weeks or months at which they occurred. 68.0 per cent, of the
total deaths occurred during the first month, while 76.4 per cent,
of these occurred during the first week. Prematurity accounted
for 8 deaths and pneumonia for 5. All the infant deaths were
investigated.
Stillbirths.—Twenty-three stillbirths, 2 of which were illegitimate,
were accredited to the district for 1934. This is equal to a
death-rate of 34.69 per 1,000 total (live and still) births registered,
the corresponding figures for 1933 being 16 stillbirths with a rate
of 27.30.
Maternal Mortality.—The maternal mortality rate—i.e., the
number of mothers dying as the result of childbirth per 1,000
total (live and still) births—was 6.03 for 1934. This represents 4
maternal deaths, 3 of which occurred outside the district. Last
year there were 2 deaths with a corresponding rate of 3.41. It
will be seen that, while the Maternal Death Rate has risen by almost
100 per cent., the number of deaths only showed an increase of 2.
This illustrates the danger of drawing conclusions from such small
numbers.
One of the four deaths took place after therapeutic abortion,
while in another case the patient was a Christian Scientist who
declined certain prescribed medical treatment.
A scheme of part-payment of midwives' fees in necessitous
cases was instituted during the year. These payments are only
made in cases where the confinement can be safely carried out at
home and full reports are required from the midwife in attendance.
Compensation is also paid to midwives if the case has ultimately to
be removed to hospital. The scheme is operating satisfactorily
and it is hoped, by its means, to obtain a more efficient maternity
service for necessitous women within the Borough. Additional
services are contemplated during the incoming year.
All maternal deaths continue to be investigated by Dr. Catchpool,
who is the Investigating Officer for this district.
Mortality of "Toddlers"—i.e., children between the ages of
1 and 5 years. Amongst children of 1 to 5 years of age there were
6 deaths during 1934. This represents a corrected death-rate of
0.09 per 1,000 of the total population, and 1.00 per cent, of the
total deaths for the year, at all ages. In 1933 there were a similar
number of deaths, giving a rate of 0.09 and a percentage of 1.02.
The number has remained stationary for the past four years, and
is the lowest recorded.
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