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4
Births
There was an increase in the birth rate for 1962 above that of England and Wales, which was 18.0
per 1,000.
Deaths
There was a slight increase in the death rate for 1962, and it was a little below that of England and
Wales, which was 11.9 per 1,000. The causes of death are shown in Table 1.
Infant mortality
In 1962, 87 children died in the first year of life (57 in the first week and another 8 in the first month).
There was a rise in the infant mortality rate, as compared with last year's figure (from 17 to 20), but this was
lower than the rate for England and Wales (21). Stillbirths, however, also rose from 18 to 21, which is higher
than the figure for the country at large (18). However, in view of the comparatively small population involved,
these changes are not likely to be significant. (Table 2).
(a) By wards (Table 3)
Brentwater has kept its place as the best ward and has even improved its rate. Carlton, which used
to be the worst (29 per 1,000 in 1958-60) has steadily improved its figures to 15. It is possible that this is a
result of the Council's extensive redevelopment scheme, and since it is not yet complete it will be interesting
to see if the trend continues. There have been some variations in the rates for the other wards, but no definite
conclusions can be drawn from them. Housing conditions are improving, but, on the other hand, old houses
which were adequate for one family tend to become overcrowded when let for multiple occupancy. It is to be
hoped that the new powers conferred on the local authority by recent legislation will help to control this
problem.
(b) By social class (Table 4)
A greater number of deaths (76) occurred in the three lower social classes compared with only
four in the two upper classes.
(c) Causes of death (Tables 5, 6, 7 and 8)
Prematurity accounted for over one-third of the infant deaths. Congenital malformations accounted
for 19 of the deaths. Seven of these were due to congenital heart defects and a number had unspecified
congenital lesions. Six deaths occurred from birth injuries, five of them in the neo-natal period. It is possible
that the 12 deaths from respiratory conditions in children of more than one month might have been
prevented. A two-weeks-old baby died from pneumococcal meningitis, and a seven-weeks-old boy died of
cerebral contusion and was found to have multiple injuries, though there was no indication as to how he
came by them.
General. There are many causes of infant mortality, and it is not always possible to cite a particular factor
as being responsible, but there is a strong probability in the case of a mother suffering from toxaemia of
pregnancy who refused to go into hospital until an emergency developed. A premature baby was delivered
by caesarean section who died aged two days. Avoidable factors were present in the cases of three mothers
who did not attend for ante-natal care, one of them producing a baby who died of icterus gravis neonatorum.
Social conditions also seemed to play a part where two unmarried mothers aged 16 were concerned.
These are examples of cases in which improvement in social education and responsibility might 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 to the Health Department and the Health Clinics are collected and taken to
the laboratory in Neasden Hospital. A report by telephone is given to the doctor as soon as possible,
followed by a written report.
Samples of milk, ice cream, and water are sent by Public Health Inspectors.
Four of the unsatisfactory samples of water came from the Granville Road Baths, three from
Gladstone Park Baths, and two from King Edward VII Baths. Two of the unsatisfactory results were traced
to faecal contamination of water by persons using the baths, but it was not possible to give a reason for
the remainder as there was no breakdown or temporary difficulty with the plant. The other two unsatisfactory
samples came from the Paddling Pool at 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
Uncleanliness and scabies (Table 10)
Since September, 1952, treatment for scabies, lice and nits has been carried out by arrangement with
the Middlesex County Council at the Stonebridge Health Clinic. From April this year cases have also been
treated at the Chichester Terrace Clinic.
As compared with 1961 there has been an increase in the number of children treated for lice and
nits. However, the numbers treated are still small, and there is no evidence of a significant increase in the
prevalence of these conditions among the population.