[Report 1967] / Medical Officer of Health, Blackpool County Borough.

  • Blackpool (England). County Borough Council.
Date:
1967
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1967] / Medical Officer of Health, Blackpool County Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/160 (page 9)
    It is almost impossible to establish a good relationship once rejection and break- down have occurred ; these situations require to be handled by creating an atmosphere of support and understanding before demoralisation and lack of sense of purpose render the position almost hopeless. The only offence these people have committed is being where they are, not wanted, and it is ourselves, who do not want them, that make them what they become—demoralised, demanding, bored and bedfast. The custodial care of the past and quality of services, which vary with the nature of the handicap, will not solve the problems of today. What will be required is support which is minimal and compatible with the maximum degree of personal independence and fulfilment. Consequent on this it is hoped that there will be less disability, which ought to be the object we should be trying to achieve. The issues facing us are to find practical ways of living for many people—some not very well equipped to live effective and fulfilling lives, as independently as possible. This has never had to be done before to the extent now demanded of us. It is to be hoped that the period of indecision before action can be taken on the many reports referred to previously will not cause delay in the provision of services which are urgently required. Vital Statistics The Registrar General’s mid-year estimate of population shows an increase of 210 over 1966, the figure now stated to be 151,510. It will be seen that again the increase in the population has been due to an inward migration which has more than com- pensated for the natural fall due to the number of deaths exceeding births by 668. A total of 2,614 deaths were registered which is one less than the previous year. The causes of death remain largely similar to former years with the largest recorded cause being diseases of the heart, numbering 1,080. Death from coronary heart disease showed reductions in 1965 and 1966, but 1967 with a total of 614 deaths showed an increase of forty-four deaths over the previous year. The new break-through in heart surgery and the generous gift of a cardiac investigation unit at the Victoria Hospital in the coming year are evidence of the concern felt about these deaths, and the desire to reverse a trend of increasing numbers. The illegitimacy rate of 13-52 shows a slight reduction on the previous year but as the figure keeps rising nationally it is unlikely that this welcome reversal of a trend of almost ten years will be maintained, especially when at least half the cases come into the area for their confinement. The efforts of a voluntary group of a church organisation to establish a home for unsupported mothers will provide a useful additional facility for this growing problem which arouses a greater share of attention each year. Infant Mortality The infant mortality rate of 25 per 1,000 live births is recorded as a result of an increase to forty-nine in deaths of children under one year. The rate compares very unfavourably with the national figure, 18-3. These figures require some comment and cannot be regarded with complacency. It will be appreciated that it would be unwise to draw too great a significance from the figures for one year, and it could be said that the figures for 1967 have only returned to a more normal figure for the year than the previous year’s low figure. Blackpool has been consistently above the national average and this year the difference is even more marked, with no evidence that the figures are catching up with the rest of the country. Therefore there are posed a number of questions. Investigation has shown that the vast majority are sudden