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
Walthamstow 1908
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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26
INQUESTS
During the year 89 were held as against 99 in 1907 and 119 in the
previous year Inquests over non-residents are not included.
The various causes of death certified by the Coroner are as follows:—
| Natural causes | 45 |
| Accidents and negligence | 10 |
| Burns and scalds | 5 |
| Suicides | 8 |
| Overlaying | 7 |
| Blood Poisoning | 1 |
| Hemorrhage during confinement—want of attention | 1 |
| Convulsions | 6 |
| Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis | 1 |
| Pneumonia for want of attention | 1 |
| Want of attention at birth | 1 |
| Want, cold, and exposure | 1 |
| Drowning ... | 2 |
Seven deaths from overlaying, one from want of attention to the
mother, one from want of attention to the child, five from burns and
scalds, as well as the death from "want, cold, and exposure" were all
avoidable. It remains to be seen how much the "Children's Charter,"
under sections 13 and 15, will prevent such deaths by its threatened
punishment of persons who, while under the influence of drink, overlay
their babies or cause children to be burned through unguarded fires.