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
Mitcham 1947
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Mitcham]
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I nfant M ortality
During the year 53 deaths were registered as occurring in infants under one year of age: —
| Males | Females | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legitimate | 30 | 16 | 46 |
| Illegitimate | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Totals | 33 | 20 | 53 |
as compared with 25 deaths last year.
The following table shows the principal causes of death in the
various age groups: —
Deaths of Infants under One Year of Age.
| Age | No. | Cause of Death | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prematurity | Congenital Defeets | Accidents of birth | Infectious conditions | Other conditions | ||
| 0 - 24 hrs. | 21 | 11 | 4 | 6 | — | — |
| 1 - 7 days | 10 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 wk. - 1 mth. | 6 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | — |
| 1 mth - 12 mths. | 16 | 1 | 3 | — | 9 | 3 |
| Total | 53 | 15 | 14 | 7 | 12 | 5 |
Thirty-seven infants failed to survive the first month of life,
and prematurity was certified as the cause of death of 14 of these
infants. Seven deaths were recorded of illegitimate infants.
Maternal Mortality.
During the year one death was registered.
In 1946 no death was registered due to disease or accident of
pregnancy.
Inquests.
Inquests were held on 20 residents dying within the district
and on 16 Mitcham residents who died outside the district, a total
of 36. In addition, the coroner held 62 post mortems without