View report page

of deaths due to tuberculosis of the respiratory system—including
pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis of the larynx—was 203,
of which 127 were deaths of males and 76 of females. The death
rate for all forms of tuberculosis was 0.87 per 1,000 of the population,
as compared with rates of 0.89 for 1936, 0.92 for 1935, and
0.98 for 1934. The death rate for the respiratory forms of the
disease was 0.78 per 1,000 of the population as compared with
the rates of 0.78 for 1936, 0.83 for 1935, and 0.87 for 1934.
Data regarding the deaths from all forms of tuberculosis
since 1896 are given in Table XXXVII., and in Table XXXVIII.
corresponding data are given for deaths from respiratory forms
since 1876.
The most outstanding feature which is brought out by these
two tables is the very considerable decline which has occurred in
the mortality from this disease. There is some doubt regarding
the accuracy of the causes of death, as stated on death certificates,
so far as the returns for tuberculosis during the last century are
concerned. Post-mortem examinations were not then made so
frequently as they are at the present time, and patients did not
then have the opportunities for accurate diagnosis which exist
to-day. Hence it is probable that in the earlier years of the tables
the numbers given are an understatement of the true position.
It is seen that the death rate from all forms of tuberculosis and
from the respiratory form have both been approximately halved.
On the whole, this decline has been continuous, but it is noteworthy
that the fall was greatly accelerated during the immediate
post-war years. This post-war reduction in the tuberculosis death
rate was a significant example of the result of increasing care of
the tuberculous patient and of an augmentation of the health
consciousness of the community. It is satisfactory to note that
the rates are still declining.
The local rates are higher than those for the country as a
whole. This is understandable, since in a large urban community
the tuberculosis rates often reflect the conditions which are insepcrable
from urban and industrial life. In this respect the West
Ham rates compare favourably with the rates for other large
urban centres of population. What is more important is the fact
that, after the period ending with the war, the local rates have
shown a decline which is roughly proportional to those for the
country as a whole. Thus, the local rates have made good running
after a delayed start.
111