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
Walthamstow 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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The following table sets out the maternal mortality, stillbirth and neo-natal death rates for the past five years: —
| Rate (per 1,000 live births). | 1938. | 1937. | 1936. | 1935. | 1934. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maternal Mortality | 1.85 | 3.57 | 1.74 | 3.00 | 6.40 |
| Stillbirths | 43.2 | 35.8 | 31.4 | 34.1 | 33.8 |
| Neo-Natal Deaths | 17.3 | 20.8 | 16.9 | 21.5 | 20.4 |
During 1938 a preparation containing yeast was made available
for expectant mothers. Work done in other areas appears to show
that such a supplementary foodstuff is extremely valuable in
pregnancy.
THORPE COOMBE MATERNITY HOSPITAL.
Alterations and Extensions.—No alterations of major
character were carried out.
The extensions specified below have been approved by the
Minister of Health and building commenced in 1938:—
Two 4-bed wards attached to existing block.
Two nurseries, each for four infants.
Two sick nurseries, each for 1 infant.
Two milk preparation rooms.
The maternal mortality rates for the past five years have been as follows: —
| Year. | Total Births Registered. | Deaths. | Rates per 1,000 Births. (Live and Still). | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerperal Sepsis. | Other Puerperal Causes. | Total. | Puerperal Sepsis. | Other Puerperal Causes. | Total. | ||
| 1938 | 1,687 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0.59 | 1.18 | 1.78 |
| 1937 | 1,735 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 2.30 | 1.15 | 3.45 |
| 1936 | 1,769 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0.56 | 1.13 | 1.69 |
| 1935 | 1,727 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 1.73 | 1.16 | 2.89 |
| 1934 | 1,775 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 3.37 | 2.81 | 6.18 |