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 1954
[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 Disease | 114 | 32.85 |
| Other Diseases of the Circulatory System | 14 | 4.03 |
| Vascular Lesions of Nervous System | 57 | 16.43 |
| Cancer | 70 | 20.17 |
| Bronchitis | 13 | 3.75 |
| Pneumonia | 12 | 3.46 |
| Tuberculosis (All Forms) | 3 | 0.86 |
Details of all deaths under this heading are as follows:
| Cause of Death | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suicide | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Other Violent Causes | 7 | 4 | 11 |
| Totals | 11 | 7 | 18 |
MATERNAL MORTALITY
In 1954 one mother died from chronic kidney disease, aggravated by
the strain of pregnancy and childbirth. It is exceptional in this Borough
to have to record such a fatality, as for many years, with the exception
of a break in 1952, we have had a nil maternal mortality rate.
INFANTILE MORTALITY
The infantile mortality rate for 1954 was 14.42 per 1,000 live births.
The comparable rate for England and Wales is 25.5. Great credit is due to
the services operated in the Borough for the care of mothers and young
children, which have made the attainment of such a low rate possible.
Of the total of 416 live births, only 6 deaths of infants under one year
of age (2 males and 4 females) were registered. Three of the deaths (1
male and 2 females) occurred within the first four weeks of life.
Premature illegitimate twins were born in a hospital outside the area,
for whom no birth notifications were received. One succumbed within
one hour and the other within eight hours of birth. The RegistrarGeneral
assigned both deaths to this area as the mother, who was in
domestic service, had previously resided in Beddington.
17