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4
Births.
During the year 585 births were recorded—(308 males and 277
females). This figure may be compared with 614 in 1952 and 851
in 1947.
The number of illegitimate births was 34 which is a little higher
than in 1952 but compares favourably with figures for previous years
and is at the pre-war level.
The proportion of births taking place in dwelling houses has risen
slightly from 20% in 1952 to 24%in the year under review. This
increase may be of no significance or it may mean that expectant
mothers are beginning to appreciate once again that, where housing
conditions are satisfactory, there is a good deal to be said in favour
of home confinement.
There were 26 premature births of which 24 survived. The two
infants who failed to survive died within 24 hours of birth. One
was born at home and one in hospital.
Health Visitors are notified early of premature births and all
possible assistance is given to the mothers.
Deaths.
The total number of deaths occurring amongst residents was 510
(260 males and 250 females).
When considering this figure it must be remembered that all deaths
occurring in Kings mead and other long-stay Institutions are assigned
to this district. Because of this and the high proportion of elderly
people resident in Richmond, the Registrar General supplies a factor,
by which, the death rate is corrected and made comparable with the
rest of the country. The corrected death rate is 9.6 per thousand
population which compares very favourably with the rates for other
towns and the country as a whole.
Reference to the table of Comparative Statistics will show that the
death rates for most diseases compare satisfactorily with other towns.
The exceptions are influenza, poliomyelitis, and whooping cough. The
rather high number of deaths due to influenza is related to the dense
fogs which occurred late in 1952 and early in 1953. They were all
dderly people and most of them were living in one or other of the
Old Peoples Homes.