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3
BOROUGH OF RICHMOND (SURREY).
Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1956.
PREFACE.
Staff.
The year commenced with a full staff but in August Mr. Saunders
resigned to take up an appointment with a neighbouring Authority.
The vacancy was advertised repeatedly but no appointment had
been made at the end of the year.
Population.
The Registrar General's estimate of the population in 1956 was
42,420 which can be compared with the 1951 Census popluation of
41,944 and the population for 1955 which was estimated to be 42,240.
Births.
During the year 556 births were recorded (292 males and 264
females). This figure may be compared with 623 in 1955 and 851 in
1947.
The proportion of births taking place in dwelling houses increased
slightly to 23.6% compared with 21% in the previous year.
I am hopeful that this level may be maintained and that any future
improvement in the housing situation may gradually lead to an increase
in the number of babies born at home.
There is an efficient domicilliary Midwifery Service provided by the
County Council and it is to the advantage of all concerned if full use
can be made of it.
There were 35 premature live births and of these, 24 survived.
Of the eleven infants who failed to survive, 6 weighed less than
3lbs. 4ozs. and so would be extremely difficult to rear.
The cause of prematurity is receiving much attention at present and
it is hoped that this waste of life will be reduced. Of 14 deaths of
infants under 1 year of age, no less than 9 were due to this cause.
Deaths.
The total number of deaths occurring amongst residents was 549
(256 males and 293 females) compared with 564 in 1955.