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
Merton 1968
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Merton]
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To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
London Borough of Merton.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present the Annual Report on the Health
of Merton for the year 1968.
The Registrar-General's estimate of population showed an increase
from 183,050 in 1967 to 184,220 in 1968. The live birth rate
fell from 15.01 in 1967 to 14.17. There were consequently 137 less
live births in 1968. The factors which have influenced a falling population
in the past, are still present in spite of an increase in the
estimated population.
There were 2,610 live births compared with 2,747 in 1967. The
increasing extent to which the policy of early discharge, within 48
hours, of maternity cases, has been implemented in this area, has
produced a steady fall over the last four years in the percentage of
total live births which were domiciliary, with a corresponding rise
in the percentage of hospital births. The effect of this new policy can be seen from the following figures:—
| Year | Percentage of total live births at home | Percentage of total live births in hospital |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | 15.5 | 84.5 |
| 1966 | 14.1 | 85.9 |
| 1967 | 13.2 | 86.8 |
| 1968 | 12.25 | 87.75 |
A most pleasing feature of 1968 was the fall in the number of
infant deaths from 45 to 38 producing an infant mortality rate of
14.60 compared with 16.38 for 1967. This infant mortality rate of
14.60 compares most favourably with that of England and Wales of
18.0 per 1,000 live births.
The number of still births showed a decline from 15 in 1967 to
10. The still birth rate per 1,000 live and still births was thus reduced
from 12.93 in 1967 to 9.49. This rate of 9.49 compares most favourably
with the national rate of 14.0.
Neonatal deaths showed a distinct fall from 36 in 1967 to 27
and the neonatal mortality rate was 10.34 compared with 13.10 for
1967. The rate for England and Wales for 1968 was 12.3.
The perinatal mortality rate fell from 24.07 in 1967 to 23.90.
The comparable figure for England and Wales for 1968 was 24.7.
There were only three fewer deaths in 1968 compared with 1967.
The increase in the estimate of population resulted in a fall in the
crude death rate from 11.15 for 1967 to 11.06. It is most pleasing to
note that there was no maternal death during the year.
There were no serious outbreaks of infectious disease during
the year. Notifications received totalled only 474, compared with
1,777 in 1967.
The operation of the Department's services continued smoothly
during the year. Work was begun on the new Senior Training
Centre in Wandle Way, Mitcham.
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