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3
BOROUGH OF RICHMOND.
Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1951.
PREFACE.
In accordance with Ministry of Health Circular 42/51, the
Annual Report has been prepared on the lines of that for 1950.
On this occasion the report has been divided into two parts—a
preface covering points of special interest and an appendix which is
mainly statistical.
Staff.
The Department was fully staffed throughout the year. It was,
however, found that the organization for the control of rats and mice
was more extensive than had been anticipated. Mr. T. R. Smith,
Rodent Officer, had commenced duty in April 1950 and Mr. R. Evans
was appointed to the staff as Rodent Operator in August 1951.
Population.
The Registrar General's estimate of the population was 41,940
which is slightly less than his estimate for the previous year. The
exact figure resulting from the Census is not yet available.
Births.
During the year 648 births were recorded—(338 males and 310
females). This figure may be compared with 641 births in 1950 and
851 in 1947.
The number of illegitimate births was 43 which is the same as for
the previous year. The proportion of births taking place in hospitals
or nursing homes has reached 78%. Unsatisfactory housing plays a
considerable part in reducing the number of domiciliary confinements
but in addition a large number of women desire admission to hospital
for a variety of other reasons.
There were 23 premature births belonging to this district. Nineteen
of these survived for over 28 days and 4 died within 7 days of
birth. Health Visitors are notified early of the occurence of a premature
birth and every possible form of assistance is given to the
mother.