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9
From the table it will he seen that the majority of deaths under
4 weeks of age fell into the sub-heading "Congenital Debility and
Malformation." The prevention of death in such cases is most
difficult.
Sixteen of the deaths took place in hospital, two in Nursing
Homes and seven in dwelling houses. Two of the latter were
6 months old twins who died as a result of burns received when
their home was destroyed by fire.
Unfortunately there were two maternal deaths during the
year. One of these patients suffered from heart disease. She attended
the Antenatal clinic frequently and was under close supervision
by specialists. She was admitted to hospital but died from
heart failure after the confinement.
The second patient died from the effects of self-induced
abortion.
Infectious Diseases
In almost every case the incidence of infectious diseases
in Richmond compares very favourably with other towns and the
country as a whole.
There was not a single case of diphtheria.
The country-wide epidemic of poliomyelitis spread to Richmond
rather later than to other areas. There was a total of 10
confirmed cases (6 males and 4 females). The first case occurred
early in September. Eight of the cases were admitted to the
South Middlesex and Richmond Isolation Hospital and two remained
at home under private doctors.
Five of the patients made rapid recoveries soon after the
initial acute phase had subsided. Two cases were transferred to
Orthopaedic Hospitals and made good recoveries after some weeks.
The remainder were left with some degree of muscular weakness
but were able to be treated at home, where they made complete
recoveries under medical supervision.