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The death rate from all causes per 1,000 total population is 9.23,
compared with 11.01 in 1952 and 11.4 for England and Wales. Of the
337 deaths, diseases of the heart and circulatory system accounted for
106 (31.45 per cent. of total deaths), cancer 64 (18.99 per cent. of total
deaths), and tuberculosis 8 (2.37 per cent. of total deaths).
The birth rate has shown a considerable increase in 1953, while the
death rate has fallen by a comparable degree. The recorded figures show
an excess of births over deaths of 55. This is a very good record when it
is recollected that in 1952 deaths exceeded births by 25.
Diseases of the heart and circulatory system still account for a very
high percentage of total deaths, while deaths due to cancer appears
to be on the increase. The average age at death continues to be
relatively high.
The number of deaths from coronary disease again shows an increase.
This is in accordance with statistical observations made throughout the
country generally. Deaths from accidents, including motor vehicle
accidents, are notably low, and it is gratifying to record that this year
deaths from violence have decreased from 14 in 1952 to 6
The fog conditions, which prevailed at the end of 1952, and which
accounted for a considerable increase in deaths of old persons from
respiratory disease, were not repeated in 1953, and probably this accounts,
in part, for the considerable reduction in the death rate.
The maternal mortality rate per 1,000 total births is Nil, as compared
with 0.67 for England and Wales. This nil return continues the record,
which had been noted in the five years previous to 1952. Considerable
thought and care are given to the arrangements by which mothers can be
assured of safer childbirth, and the fact that no maternal deaths took place
in 1953 again reflects great credit upon all the services engaged in
midwifery in the district.
The infantile mortality rate again shows a considerable decrease, at
12.89 per 1,000 live births. Only five infants died under the age of 1 year
in 1953, out of 388 live births. On page 16 will be found an analysis of
the causes of death. It will be seen that the causes of death in these
infants were for the most part congenital defects, which could not be
remedied.
Work on behalf of old people, in an ever-ageing population, continued
to occupy the attention of both voluntary services and Public Health staff
throughout the year. The Home Help Service continued to relieve the
lot of old people living in straitened circumstances, who were unable to
look after themselves and unable to obtain domestic help. The Wallington
Old People's Welfare Committee, under the Chairmanship of Councillor
Mrs. V. M. Boyce, continued their good social work for the old people,
and the ladies of the W.V.S., under the able guidance of Mrs. O. L. Wiles,
were in constant support of all efforts undertaken for the care of
the aged.
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