London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Richmond upon Thames 1966

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]

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POPULATION
The Registrar General's estimate of mid-year population for the Borough was
180,200, which is a decrease of 930 compared with 1965. The natural increase (excess
of births over deaths) was 432.
BIRTHS
During the year 2,763 live births were registered (a decrease of 70 compared with
1965) giving a live birth rate of 15.33 per 1,000 of the population or 15,49 when
adjusted by the birth comparability factor. The latter makes allowances for differences
in the age and sex distribution of the population throughout the country. The birth
rate for England and Wales was 17.7.
DEATHS
The number of deaths registered in 1966 was 2,331 (an increase of 156 compared
with 1965) giving' a death rate of 12.93 per 1,000 of the population or 10.60 when
adjusted by the comparability factor. The death rate for England and Wales was
11.7.
The table on page 8 shows the distribution of deaths by age and cause.

Main Causes of Death

An analysis of the death returns reveals the following main causes of death :

DiseasePercentage of total deathsDeath rate per 1,000 of the population
Diseases of heart and circulatory system39.085.05
Vascular lesions of nervous system12.781.65
Bronchitis, Pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases11.791.52
Cancer20.502.65
Accidents, Violence3.560.46

INFANT MORTALITY
During the year there were 5 1 deaths of infants under one year of age, an increase
of 10 on the previous year. The infant mortality rate was 18.45 per 1,000 live births
compared with 19.0 for England and Wales.
An analysis of the causes of death is shown on page 9.
A large proportion of the deaths — 68.6% — occurred in the first four weeks of
life. As expected congenital malformation, prematurity, etc., took a high toll, whilst
the respiratory diseases — bronchitis and bronchopneumonia — were responsible for a
number of deaths in the later age groups.
MATERNAL MORTALITY
There were 2 maternal deaths during the year giving a maternal mortality rate
of 0.71 per 1,000 live and still births.
Details of the two cases are as follows: —
Case 1. Married woman. Cause of death : Haemorrhage following attemped instrumental
abortion.
Case 2. Married woman. Cause of death : Multiple injuries sustained when she
projected herself from a window. Suicide.
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