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The proportion of births taking place in dwelling houses remains
at the low level of 23%. The proportion is much higher in Ham
where housing conditions of young families are generally better, and
it seems most unlikely that the figure will increase throughout the
borough until substantial progress has been made in alleviating overcrowded
and unsatisfactory housing conditions.
There were 48 premature live births, of whom, 40 survived. 01
the 8 infants who failed to survive 5 weighed less than 4lbs. 6ozs. and
because of the degree of prematurity, would be difficult to rear.
Health Visitors are notified early of premature births and all possible
assistance is given to the mothers. In addition, an enquiry is
made into each case in an effort to discover the causes of prematurity.
Loss of life through premature births is very considerable and should,
in many cases, be preventable. Research into the subject is to commence
shortly and the Local Health Authority will take part.
There is no doubt that bad housing and the need for mothers to
go to work play an important part.
Deaths.
The total number of deaths occurring amongst residents was 519
(254 males and 265 females).
The death rate, when corrected to allow for the high proportion
of elderly persons, is 9.84 per thousand, which compares favourably
with other towns in the country. The table of comparative statistics
shows that the death rate for certain important diseases is considerably
lower in Richmond than elsewhere except in the case of pneumonia.
The apparent high incidence of pneumonia in Richmond is due to the
high proportion of elderly residents who, after living to a good age,
finally die from pneumonia. It is pleasing to be able to report that
during the year there was not a single death due to diphtheria, whooping
cough, measles or poliomyelitis.
Unfortunately, there was one infant death due to diarrhoea. This
was a Nigerian boy, aged 8 months, who was staying with his parents
in a local hotel. The infant contracted a virulent form of enteritis,
and his condition deteriorated so rapidly, that he died before treat
ment in hospital could be given. His brother and sister were mildly
affected, but searching investigations failed to identify the causal
organism.