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Four deaths were recorded from motor vehicle accidents, being the
same number as in 1956. All other accidents accounted for 3 deaths,
compared with 4 in 1956. Suicides totalled 4 cases, compared with 4 in
1956.
No mothers died in childbirth during 1957, and this gives a maternal
mortality rate per 1,000 total births of nil, as compared with 0.47 for
England and Wales.
The infantile mortality rate shows a decrease at 9.93 per 1,000 live
births, as compared with 18.82 in 1956. Only 4 infants died under the
age of 1 year in 1957 out of 403 live births. On page 16 will be found an
analysis of the causes of death.
Old persons in need of care and attention, fall administratively into
two categories:—
(1) Those who are ambulant and can do a certain amount for themselves,
and for whom the County Council accept responsibility
through Part III of the National Assistance Act of 1948, and
(2) Those who are so severely incapacitated or generally ill as to
require the services of the Regional Hospital Board.
Both groups are increasing in numbers, partly owing to increased
longevity, and partly owing to the larger number of old persons having
no relations to fall back on.
Housing difficulties, too, contribute towards making residential accommodation
of both kinds necessary.
During the year the department worked in close association with the
Geriatric Department of St. Helier Hospital, who, through their Geriatric
Almoner and Visiting Physician, were able to deal with quite a number
of patients requiring hospital admission, and also in close association
with the W.V.S. through their most efficient Centre Organiser, Mrs. O. L.
Wiles, and also the Senior Divisional Welfare Officer.
The latter is responsible for arranging admissions to the County
Council's Old People's Homes, and a very effective relationship was
maintained throughout the year, which enabled several old people to be
accommodated in the County Council's care.
The Home Help Service was operated to capacity throughout the year,
and we were thus able to keep many people in their homes through giving
home help service and nursing attention through the District Nurses, who
would otherwise have had to be admitted.
With the ever-growing need for attention to old persons living in their
own homes, both these services will continue to expand.
Mention should be made here of the Meals on Wheels service operated
by the W.V.S., with a grant from the Corporation. This service commenced
in 1957, cooking being undertaken at British Red Cross House
in Woodcote Road, and the meals being delivered, from vehicles loaned
by the Borough Council, to the homes of the old and sick requiring them.
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