Why are our babies dying?

May 2 2007

WHY are more babies dying in Harrow than anywhere else in London?

The borough is one of the safest in the capital; it is also one of the most affluent and yet more infants under the age of one die here than in sink estates in Tower Hamlets.

Harrow Weald is the worst affected area in London with 19.1 deaths per 1,000. You could argue that it is also one of the borough's poorer areas but affluent Pinner, where residents should expect a long and healthy life, has not escaped either with 12.1 deaths per thousand. The London average is 5.1. This new statistic will shock every parent or prospective parent in our borough. The death of a newborn baby is every mother's nightmare - to carry a child for nine months, deliver it and then to have to say goodbye within a year - it is too dreadful to think about.

Michael Ryan embarked on a quest to find out why his children died and it is only because of his investigations that we bring you this disturbing news today.

He bombarded the Office of National Statistics with requests until finally thanks to a Freedom of Information request it gave him the information he required.

He and Dr Van Steenis believe the incinerator in Colnbrook, which gets rid of clinical waste, is partially to blame for these high figures. Worryingly,a new larger incinerator is being built at the same site which pressure groups believe will create serious health problems. This is expected to open next year.

Let us make one thing clear, neither men are accusing the owners of the incinerator or the Government knowingly contributing to thes figures.But their evidence is compelling and it deserves to be investigated further.Our two MPs have promised to speak to Harrow Primary Care Trust, which did not return our calls this week, about ways to reduce these figures.

But we are calling for much more - a public inquiry simply must be held.