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The deaths of non-Southall residents in the St. Bernard's Hospital (not included
in the above figures) numbered 108 (males 41 and females 67).
For the distribution of deaths in the various Wards see Appendix, Table IV, and
for the comparison of general birth and death rates and rates of maternal mortality, see
Appendix, Table V.
Births and Birth Rate (figures for 1944 are given in brackets).
The total number of births notified to the Health Department under the Public
Health Act, 1936, was 922 (1,049). The total number of registered births in the district
(under the Births and Deaths Registration Act—included in the notified births above)
was 339 (449). The total number of five births belonging to the district whether
occurring within or outside the district was 810 (914). The illegitimate live births were
60 (55). There were 22 stillbirths (21), and these were legitimate, with six exceptions.
For the first year since 1941, there has not been an increase in the birth rate in
Southall, but a decrease from 19 09 to 16 68. This, however, is not an absolute decrease
as percentages are calculated per 1,000 estimated population, which has increased by 910
since the last estimate was made in 1.944. This increase is mainly due to the return of men
and women from war service.
The corresponding rate for the whole country in 1945 was 16 2.
The table below gives the analysis of the places of confinement. The monthly
registration of births classified in Wards is given in Appendix, Table VI. Details of
abnormalities in confinements during 1945 are to be found in Appendix, Table XI.
Total Confinements (live births and still births), 832.
No. born in Hillingdon County Hospital 300 or 36%
No. born in London voluntary hospitals 213 or 26%
No. born in nursing homes or other hospitals 106 or 12%
No. confined in their homes by midwives or doctors 213 or 26%
Infant Mortality.
The total number of deaths under one year of age was 25. The rate per 1,000
live births was 30.8. The corresponding rate for England and Wales was 46, for London 44,
and for the 148 small towns 44 per 1,000.
The infant mortality rate of 30 8 is of the greatest importance. This rate, which
has been decreasing steadily since 1938, has now dropped by 33% in one year. While the
corresponding rate for England and Wales has remained stationary, such a drop was not to
be hoped for in an industrial and overcrowded district such as Southall and it is reasonable
to suggest that the persistent propaganda and help in ante-natal care, the increase in
midwifery facilities and infant welfare services have brought it about that Southall can
boast of an infant mortality rate for 1945 which compares with some of the best world rates.
The rate for Australia in 1945 was 31 and for New Zealand was 29.
For details of causes of death of infants in the year, see Appendix, Table VII.
Premature Infants.
Thirty-seven infants were born prematurely during the year of whom 26 survived.
Arrangements have been made in accordance with Ministry of Health circular 20/44
for the provision of equipment to be supplied to the homes where premature infants have
been born, and the equipment includes draught-proof cots, electric blankets, hot water
bottles, mucus catheters, thermometers, etc. Arrangements were also made to obtain
supplies of breast milk at short notice from the Queen Charlotte Hospital in cases where
the mother's milk is insufficient for the infant for whom breast milk is absolutely essential.
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