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
Beddington and Wallington 1945
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]
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The following table shows the principal causes of death with the rate per cent. of total deaths: —
| Cause of Death. | Number of Deaths. | Rate per cent. of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Diseases | 91 | 29.6 |
| Cancer | 51 | 16.6 |
| Intra Cranial Vascular Lesions | 33 | 10.7 |
| Tuberculosis (All Forms) | 19 | 6.1 |
| Pneumonia | 15 | 4.8 |
| Bronchitis | 12 | 3.9 |
| Violence and Accident | 10 | 3.2 |
VIOLENCE AND ACCIDENT.
Deaths from violence and accidental causes show a welcome
decrease on the figures for the previous year. Civilian deaths due to
enemy action had previously contributed largely to the rather higher
figures recorded during the war years. One person only died as a
result of war operations and it is gratifying to note that the figures of
deaths caused by suicide, street accidents and accidents in the home
still remain at a low level.
Details of all deaths under this heading are as follows: —
| Cause of Death. | Male. | Female. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suicide | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Street Accident | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Accidents at Home | — | 2 | 2 |
| Other Accidental Causes | 1 | — | 1 |
| War Operations | 1 | — | 1 |
| Totals | 5 | 5 | 10 |
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
One death occurred in hospital, the cause of death being certified
as "general peritonitis due to septic abortion" after an inquest in which
an open verdict was returned.
The maternal mortality rate per thousand live and still births for
the year was 1.95, as compared with the figure of 1.79 for England and
Wales. The rate appears unduly high for a district' 'of this type, but
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