London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Richmond upon Thames 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond upon Thames]
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POPULATION
The Registrar General's estimate of mid-year population for the Borough was 172,560, which is a decrease of 1,750 compared with 1971. The natural decrease (excess of deaths over births) was 148.
| Year | Population | Population trend | Migration excess | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total increase or decrease | Percentage proportion | Natural increase or decrease | Inward | Outward | ||
| 1965 | 181,130 | 950 | -0.52% | +658 | 1,608 | |
| 1966 | 180,200 | 930 | -0.51% | +432 | – | 1,362 |
| 1967 | 179,040 | 1,160 | -0.64% | +404 | – | 1,564 |
| 1968 | 177,130 | 1,910 | -1.15% | +140 | _ | 2,050 |
| 1969 | 176,600 | 530 | -0.42% | +221 | – | 751 |
| 1970 | 174,550 | 2,050 | -1.17% | +25 | – | 2,075 |
| 1971 | 174,310 | 240 | -0.14% | +57 | – | 297 |
| 1972 | 172,560 | 1,750 | -0.99% | –148 | – | 1,602 |
BIRTHS
During the year 2,199 live births were registered ( a decrease of 101 compared with
1971) giving a live birth rate of 12.7 per 1,000 of the population or 11.8 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 live birth rate for
England and Wales was 14.8.
DEATHS
The number of deaths registered in 1972 was 2,347 (an increase of 104 compared
with 1971) giving a death rate of 13.6 per 1,000 of the population or 11.2 when adjusted
by the comparability factor. The death rate for England and Wales was 12.1.
The tables on pages 9 and 10 show 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 :
| Disease | Percentage of total deaths | Death rate per 1,000 of the population |
|---|---|---|
| Diseases of heart and circulatory system | 38.69 | 5.19 |
| Cancer | 21.43 | 2.96 |
| Bronchitis, Pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases | 15.00 | 2.35 |
| Vascular lesions of nervous system | 11.89 | 1.61 |
| Accidents, Violence | 3.32 | 0.45 |
INFANT MORTALITY
During the year there were 26 deaths of infants under one year of age, a decrease
of 13 on the previous year. The infant mortality rate was 12 per 1,000 live births compared
with 17 for England and Wales.
MATERNAL MORTALITY
There were no recorded maternal deaths during the year.
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