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The death rate from all causes per 1,000 total population is 8.81,
compared with 9.45 in 1954 and 11.70 for England and Wales. Of the
322 deaths, diseases of the heart and circulatory system accounted for
123 (38.20 per cent, of total deaths), cancer 60 (18.63 per cent, of total
deaths), and tuberculosis 4 (1 .21 per cent, of total deaths).
The death rate is lower than in 1954, and is one of the lowest yet
recorded, the last comparable rate being 8.8 in 1934. The tables on
pages 13 and 14 indicate the comparative rates and causes of death.
From these tables it will be seen that deaths from cancer are lower than
in 1954. Even when considered as a percentage of the total deaths, this
is lower than in 1954, being 18.63 as compared with 20.17.
Deaths from diseases of the heart and circulatory system account for
a very high proportion of the causes of death, there being an increase in
the rate, as compared with the previous year, being 38.20 per cent in
1955 as compared with 36.88 per cent in 1954. Coronary disease again
showed an increase, there being 55 deaths from this cause as compared
with 50 in 1954.
Deaths from all diseases were generally higher amongst the older age
groups, which is accounted for by the large number of people over 65
years of age living in the district.
Three deaths were recorded from motor vehicle accidents, this being
the same number as in 1954. All other accidents accounted for 4 deaths,
as compared with 8 in 1954. Suicides totalled 2 cases, compared with 7
in 1954.
No mothers died in childbirth during 1955, and this gives a maternal
mortality rate per 1,000 total births of nil, as compared with 0.64 for
England and Wales.
The infantile mortality rate shows a decrease at 13.70 per 1,000 live
births, as compared with 14.42 in 1954. Only five infants died under the
age of 1 year in 1955, out of 365 live births. On page 16 will be found
an analysis of the causes of death. Congenital defects accounted for 4
of the deaths, and one infant died through a very difficult labour.
Geriatric problems continued to take an important place in the work
of the department during 1955. Once again we wish to record the very
helpful liaison established with the W.V.S., under the able guidance of
Mrs. O. L. Wiles. The care of the aged will continue to be an evergrowing
preoccupation for many sections of the health service, and the
assistance given by home helps and district nurses was effective in keeping
many old people in reasonable comfort in their own homes.
An effective liaison with the geriatric department of St. Helier
Hospital is maintained, and a few old people who required institutional
care were admitted during the year.
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