London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Woolwich 1927
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]
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32
INFANTILE MORTALITY.
The number of deaths under one year was 95, compared
with 107 in 1926 and 141 in 1925. The infantile mortality
rate (deaths under one year per 1,000 births) was 42,
compared with 43 in 1926 and 55 in 1925. This is the second
lowest rate in London—Holborn being first with 38—and is
the lowest figure ever recorded in the Borough. This year's
figures shew that the infantile mortality rate, which a little
over a decade ago was in the 80's, is now steadying in the
40's. The infantile mortality rate for the administrative
county was 59.
The following Table, No. 20, shews the infantile mortality
rate in the Borough and registration districts for each year
since 1923.
The following Table, No. 20, shews the infantile mortality rate in the Borough and registration districts for each year since 1923.
TABLE No. 20.
| Period. | Woolwich. | West Plumstead. | East Plumstead. | Eltham. | The Borough. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1923 | 51 | 37 | 42 | 39 | 43 |
| 1924 | 79 | 42 | 68 | 70 | 65 |
| 1925 | 59 | 42 | 51 | 69 | 55 |
| 1926 | 51 | 37 | 41 | 44 | 43 |
| 1927 | 53 | 29 | 42 | 47 | 42 |
Causes of Death. The chief cause of death was premature
birth, 36 deaths out of 95 being certified as due to this cause.
Ten deaths were due to Bronchitis, 8 to Pneumonia, and
7 to Debility or Marasmus. Three deaths occurred from
Whooping Cough and one from Chicken Pox. The neo-natal
mortality rate, i.e., deaths under 4 weeks, was 22.75,