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
East Ham 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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49 for the previous year. This figure (59) however, compares
very favourably with that for England and Wales, 60 ; 107 County
Boroughs and Great Towns, 71 ; 159 Smaller Towns, 62; and
London, 65. The principal causes of death amongst these infants
were:—Congenial Debility, Premature Birtlis, etc., 52;
Pneumonia, 16; Diarrhoea, etc., 10; and Cerebro.Spinal Fever, 6.
The maternal mortality rates for England and Wales and East Ham are compared and are as follows :—
| Puerperal Sepsis. | Other Diseases. | Total. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England and Wales. | East Ham. | England and Wales. | East Ham. | England and Wales. | East Ham. | |
| Per 1,000 Live Births | 1.66 | 2.93 | 2.45 | 0.97 | 411 | 3.90 |
| ,, „ Total „ | 1.59 | 2 83 | 2.35 | 0.94 | 3.94 | 3.77 |
It will be seen from the above that the rate for Puerperal
Sepsis for East Ham is much higher than that of England and
Wales whereas the local rate for other maternal deaths is very much
lower than the country as a whole. The total rate for East Ham is
even less. A decrease in maternal mortality would, in my opinion,
be brought about by the provision of a Maternity Home, so long
delayed.
With reference to the circular letter of the Ministry of Health
No. 1167, and Memorandum 156/M.C.W., drawing attention to
the Interim Report of the Departmental Committee on Maternal
Mortality and Morbidity, a special report was presented to the
Maternity and Child Welfare Sub.Committee and the following
statement shows the Committee's findings :—
Report of the Medical Officer of
Health.
1. Ante Natal Clinics.
Women mostly attended by
Midwives of Plaistow Maternity
Charity and Ante Natal Clinics.
Private midwives advised to send
cases to Municipal Ante Natal
Clinics conducted by Assistant
Medical Officers.
2. Supply of Midwives.
Suggests municipal midwife
service be attached to new
Maternity Hospital,
Recommendations or opinion of Sub.
Committee.
That this service needs extension
and until a complete scheme is built
up around the new Maternity Hospital,
the appointment of a full time
Assistant Medical Officer will greatly
add to the existing efficiency of this
service.
Agreed.