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14
The rate for the present year (66.8) is the lowest recorded for
the district; it compares with 80 for the country generally. We
aim, however, at a standard rate of about 50 per 1,000, and with
extension of infant welfare work I believe this will be accomplished
in the near future.
As in previous years the greater number of deaths from prematurity
and enteritis occurred in those areas and particular streets
where the domestic circumstances are least favourable, and the
illegitimate births had a similar distribution. Turning to the cause
of death, there were 5 deaths from enteritis, which together with
one between 1—2 years, gives an enteritis rate of 8.3 per 1,000 births,
which is somewhat higher than should be considering the low general
rate. Sixteen deaths were due to prematurity and 5 to enteritis;
that is more than proof the deaths were due to preventable causes.
It is noteworthy that one-half the deaths occurred within the first
month of life and one-third within the first week of birth.
MATERNITY AND INFANT WELFARE CENTRE.
Summary of Infant Welfare Work for 1920.
(Miss Boyd, Miss Rice Oxley and Miss Stanbridge.)
Number of Births Notified:—
Males 220
Females 231
Number of Illegitimate Births Notified 21
Number of Still-births Notified 13
Number of Births not Notified:—
Males 105
Females 106
Number of Visits paid to:—
Infants (1st) 601
Children (1st) 19
Re-visits:—
Infants 1,852
Children 2,502
Ineffectual Calls 2,306
Method of Feeding:—
Breast 526
Bottle 38
Breast and Bottle 33
Spoon 4
Total number of Visits paid during year:—
Mothers and Infants 4,637
Attendances at Infant Clinic 2,445