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5
Births
There was an increase in the birth rate for 1961, and it is now above that of England and Wales.
Deaths
There was a slight increase in the death rate for 1961, and it appears to be becoming stabilised at
about 10 per 1,000, a little below that of England and Wales, which is about 12 per 1,000. The causes
of deaths are shown in Table 1.
Infant mortality
In 1961, 68 children died in the first year of life (41 in the first week and another 8 in the first
month). There was a slight rise in the infant mortality rate, as compared with last year's record low
figure, but both the infant mortality rate (17) and the stillbirth rate (18) were below those for England
and Wales (21, and 19 respectively). (Table 2)
(a) By wards (Table 3)
The infant deaths were more evenly distributed through the wards than was the case a few years
ago. Brentwater kept its place as the best ward; the rates in the worst wards were all reduced. Housing
conditions are improving through the building of many houses and flats by the local authority. However,
the old houses which were adequate for one family become overcrowded when let for multiple occupancy.
(b) By social class (Table 4)
A greater number (57) of deaths occurred in the three lower social classes compared with only 3
in the two upper classes.
(c) Causes of death (Tables 5, 6, 7 and 8)
Prematurity accounted for almost one-half of the infant deaths.
Congenital malformations accounted for thirteen of the deaths but no specific cause was indicated in
any case. All the six deaths from birth injuries occurred in the neonatal period. The babies whose birth
weights are recorded had reached a satisfactory maturity and their mothers had good antenatal care. Obstetric
difficulties are diagnosable and present a field where some saving of life might yet be effected.
There is a possibility that the eight deaths from pneumonia developing from an upper respiratory
tract infection in children of more than one month might have been prevented. A baby of eleven weeks who
died after the inhalation of food might also have been saved. Other causes include one case of blood incompatibility
which was treated by three exchange transfusions but without effect.
General. No specific physical cause amongst the mothers can be said to contribute to the infant deaths.
Poor social conditions certainly seem to play a part, for example where a mother aged 20 years was having
her fourth illegitimate child, where a girl of 16 years who had just left grammar school had a premature baby,
and where the father deserted the mother during pregnancy. These are examples of cases in which improvement
in social education and responsibility might help to save infant lives.
GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
Public Health Laboratory Service (Table 9)
Bacteriological specimens (swabs from sore throats, faeces from intestinal infections, cough plates and
post-nasal swabs from whooping cough cases, etc.) are examined by the Public Health Laboratory Service at
the Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, and at the branch laboratory in Neasden Hospital.
Specimens delivered by doctors to the Health Department, the Health Clinics (or the branch laboratories
in Neasden Hospital) are collected and taken to the Central Public Health Laboratory. A report by
telephone is given to the doctor next morning followed by a written report.
Samples of milk, ice cream, and water are sent by Public Health Inspectors.
Eight of the unsatisfactory samples of water came from the Granville Road Baths. It was not possible
to give a reason for these results as there was no breakdown or temporary difficulties with the plant, but the
amount of chlorine was increased and the plant kept working overnight. Subsequent samples were satisfactory.
The other two unsatisfactory samples came from the Paddling Pool at the King Edward VII Park These
were probably due to children contaminating the water by running on the grass verges, surrounds and sandpit
adjoining the pool.
The three unsatisfactory samples of milk were bottled outside the borough and the local authorities
in whose areas the bottlers were situated were informed. No reason could be given for the unsatisfactory
results and subsequent samples proved to be satisfactory.
Uncleanliness and scabies (Table 10)
As compared with 1960, there has been an increase in the number of adults and children treated for
scabies, lice and nits. However, the numbers treated are still small, and there is no evidence of an increase
in the prevalence of these conditions among the population.
Establishments for Massage and Special Treatment
The registration of establishments for massage and special treatment is delegated to the Borough
Council under Part XII of the Middlesex County Council Act, 1944.