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Two deaths were recorded from motor vehicle accidents, being two
less than in 1957. All other accidents accounted for 8 deaths, compared
with 3 in 1957. Suicides totalled 2 cases, compared with 4 in 1957.
During the year the Minister of Health expressed considerable concern
about the increase in accidents in the home, and after his Circular 6/58,
together with Home Office Circular 58/1958 had been considered by your
Council, a co-ordinating committee, known as theHome Safety Committee
was instituted, at an inaugural meeting, held at the Town Hall on the
27th October, 1958. The constitution was on similar lines to the already
operating Road Safety Committee.
It is hoped that by bringing together all sections of the community
interested in reducing accidents in the home, and by disseminating suitable
literature emanating from the Government, and other sources, to bring
the population to a more thorough understanding how accidents happen,
and how best they can be avoided.
It may be a reflection on the excellent work of the Road Safety Committee,
that the number of deaths from motor accidents in the Borough
was halved during the year.
No mothers died in childbirth during 1958, and this gives a maternal
mortality rate per 1,000 total births of nil, as compared with 0.43 for
England and Wales.
The infantile mortality rate shows a decrease at 7.50 per 1,000 live
births, as compared with 9.93 in 1957. Only 3 infants died under the age
of 1 year in 1958 out of 400 live births. On page 16 will be found an
analysis of the causes of death.
It will be noted with satisfaction, that the infantile mortality rate is
the lowest yet recorded in this district. This probably reflects a higher
standard of knowledge amongst the population generally, and a carefully
maintained supervisory service, through clinics and health visitors having
the care of young infants.
The incidence of infectious disease during 1958 was exceptionally low.
In part, this may be accounted for by the extremely small number of cases
of measles notified. Only 10 cases of measles were notified, as compared
with 426 cases in 1957. None of these cases were removed to hospital.
One case of non-paralytic poliomyelitis was notified during the year.
The patient was admitted to hospital where the diagnosis was made, but
suffered no ill effects either of a temporary or permanent nature.
The Government's scheme for poliomyelitis vaccination was continued
during the year, within the prescribed age groups. These groups include
children born between 1943 and 1958, and expectant mothers. On the
2nd September, 1958, the Minister issued a circular in which he extended
the scheme to include persons born between the years 1933 and 1942.
By the end of the year 4,386 persons had received two injections against
poliomyelitis, and 1,995 a third injection. There were, however, 522 cases
outstanding, whose immunisation procedure was continued into 1959.
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