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84
Infantile Mortality.
During the year, 1,707 infants died before they were 12 months old. This is
equal to a rate of 150 deaths per 1,000 births.
369 occurred in the Limehouse District, or at the rate of 197 per 1,000 births.
351 occurred in the St. George's District, or at the rate of 160 per 1,000 births.
657 occurred in the Mile End District, or at the rate of 163 per 1,000 births.
330 occurred in the Whitechapel District, or at the rate of 117 per 1,000 births.
The infantile mortality was less than in the preceding year, the number in that
being 165 per 1,000 births.
It was less than that of any of the other Eastern Boroughs, but higher than
that of London as a whole, which was 141 per 1,000 births.
As in the previous year, the infantile mortality was higher in the Limehouse
district than in the other districts. In fact, it was higher than that of any Borough
in London during the same period.
The high infantile mortality in our Borough was considered by the Public Health
Committee, and after some discussion, it was referred to a sub-committee, to report as
to the advisability of appointing Lady Health Visitors, and also the practicability of
organising the various sick visitors attached to places of worship and charitable
organisations within the Borough.
The sub-committee could not advise the Council to undertake such organisation,
although of opinion that it might be dealt with by voluntary effort. The subcommittee
submitted their report to the Public Health Committee, which was afterwards
agreed to, and this Committee recommended the Council to appoint as an
experiment, for a period of two years, two female health visitors, whose duties
would be as follows:—
(1) To visit the houses of the poor, and give advice upon matters of home
hygiene, viz.: the proper feeding and clothing of infants.
(2) To visit houses in the districts where Diarrhcea, Measles, and Whooping
Cough are prevalent, and instruct the relatives as to the necessity of
isolation and proper care of the sick.
(3) To report any insanitary conditions found during the course of such visits
to the Medical Officer of Health, and to act generally under his direction.
The Committee suggested that the salaries should be £100 per year.