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4
The birth rate of 13.16 per 1,000 population becomes, after
correction by the comparability factor, 12.76 compared with 16.5
for England and Wales.
The death rate of 10.5 becomes, after correction by the comparability
factor, 12.6 per 1,000 population, against 11.6 for England
and Wales.
It is most unusual for the death rate in Mitcham to be higher
than in England and Wales.
The increase was mainly due to deaths from respiratory disease,
heart disease and cancer. There was no obvious cause for the
increased rate. The previous year had shewn cancer death rate to
be very low.
The death rate from cancer for Mitcham in 1959 increased from
1.89 to 2.25 while that for England and Wales increased from 2.12
to 2.14 per 1,000 population.
As regards infant mortality the local rate was 14.17 and the rate
for England and Wales, 22.2 per 1,000 live births, the lowest ever
recorded.
A meals-on-wheels service was inaugurated in July and supplies
30 old people who are housebound with a hot meal twice a week.
It is run by the W.V.S. and financed by the Borough Council, reports
being received by the Public Health Committee.
The scheme is to be extended to include more housebound
old people and also to provide hot meals for able-bodied old people
who attend the Old People's Welfare Centre in London Road. The
service has been much appreciated.
I wish to thank the Chairmen of the Committees for their
unfailing support, and all the members of the staff for their loyalty
and service throughout the year.
I have the honour to be, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
A. R. GRAHAM,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
Mitcham Court,
Mitcham.