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143
Compensation to Midwives.-Compensation has been paid to midwives
in respect of 17 cases sent by them to the Ante-Natal Clinics which on
the advice of the Clinic Medical Officer were transferred to maternity
hospitals for confinement.
Assistance in paying midwives' fees.—The Maternity and Child Welfare
Committee agreed to pay part of the midwives' fees in 6 necessitous cases.
Of these 5 were paid, and 1 was cancelled.
Maternal mortality.-The investigation into all deaths associated
with childbirth, which was referred to in the 1929 Annual Report, has
been carried out on the lines suggested by the Ministry of Health. Although
the Council has authorised the employment of an Obstetric Consultant
for their investigations, it was not found necessary to make use of his
services during the year.
There were 4 maternal deaths registered, according to the information
supplied by the Registrar-General, representing a mortality rate of
1.31 per 1,000 live births, as against 10 in 1929, with a rate of 3.26.
Puerperal Sepsis was given as the cause of death in each instance.
Two of the 4 cases were first pregnancies. Only 1 of the patients had
received ante-natal treatment, and that at an Institution outside the
Borough.
Death Certificates.
(1) Puerperal Septicaemia, Contracted Pelvis, Induction of
Labour, Prolonged Labour.
(2) Puerperal Septicaemia.
(3) Septicaemia, due to miscarriage. (P .M.)
(4) Puerperal Peritonitis, Septic Endometritis. (Full term
labour.)
Infant Mortality.—The infantile mortality rate, 55, is the lowest
recorded in the Borough.
Observation Wards.—A number of our clinic babies whose alimentary
system became disorganised have spent a profitable time in the wards.
No matter how severe the disturbance, it is a joy to see them change