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
West Ham 1952
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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The totals over the first three years show a steady increase in the numbers of
unaccompanied children. During 1952, as a result of the greater appreciation of the
need of the very young child for his mother, there has been a decreasing tendency to
separate the child under 2 from his family and consequently fewer young children were
sent away. The numbers sent to "transferred" homes also are steadily decreasing. These
homes, which are controlled by the Regional Hospital Board and for which no charge is
made to the parents or to the Council, are being reserved more strictly for those
children who need medical and nursing care during their convalescence. Such children
are seldom referred through the local authority services but are sent away direct from
hospital or through the agency of the family doctor.
The cost of maintenance at the other homes which provide "recuperative holidays"
is borne by the Council, but a weekly charge up to a maximum of 10/6d. per mother and
baby, or per child under 5 years, may be made to the parent.
The number of mothers with babies who have been sent for convalescence has steadily
increased, but this number does not yet represent the total of mothers who would benefit
from this service if it were more readily available. During 1951, only one home was
available to West Ham mothers for this purpose, but two other homes willing to take a
few mothers and young children have since been found. There still remains a need, however,
for extending this type of provision.
As in previous years the administrative arrangements for convalescence have been
in the hands of the West Ham Branch of the Invalid Children's Aid Association, and have
been carried out in an extremely efficient and helpful way.
Vital Statistics.
The following are the statistics for 1952 which have been published by the Registrar General:-
| For West Ham | For England & Wales | |
|---|---|---|
| Stillbirth rate per 1,000 total births | 20.9 | 22.6 |
| Infant Mortality rate per 1,000 live births | 24.6 | 27.6 |
| Neonatal Death rate per 1,000 live births | 15.3 | 18.3 |
| Maternal Mortality rate per 1,000 live births and stillbirths | Nil | O.72 |
There has been a decline In all three national rates, and this is reflected in
the West Ham figures which have remained below the national averages,
The total infant deaths and stillbirths combined, which for the first time since
1949 shows an appreciable drop, are shown in the diagram on page 4l the number being 129
(69 deaths and 60 stillbirths).
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