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3
BOROUGH OF RICHMOND (SURREY).
Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1958.
PREFACE.
Staff.
Mr. E. S. Herbert was appointed Chief Public Health Inspector in
January 1958 and Mr. H. D. Williams commenced duty as Deputy
Chief Public Health Inspector at the end of June.
Mrs. Sumpter, Clerk, who had been off duty seriously ill since
July 1957 rejoined the staff at the end of September 1958.
Miss Joyce Turner joined the department as temporary clerk for
the period 24.4.58 to 24.10.58.
Population.
The Registrar General's estimate of the population in 1958 was
42,330 which can be compared with the 1951 Census population of
41,944 and the population for 1957 which was estimated to be 42,450.
Births.
During the year 591 births were recorded (320 males and 271
females). This figure may be compared with 583 in 1957 and 851 in
1947.
The proportion of births taking place in dwelling houses fell
slightly to 23.4% compared with 24.6% in the previous year. The
proportion has remained at about this level since 1945, and there is
no indication that improved housing conditions are affecting the
situation. 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 37 premature live births and of these 28 survived. Of
the 9 infants who failed to survive, 5 weighed less than 3lbs. 4ozs. at
birth, 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 11 deaths of infants under
1 year of age, 7 were due to this cause.
Deaths.
The total number of deaths occurring amongst residents was 589
(290 males and 299 females) compared with 566 in 1957.