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Maternal Deaths.
Three were registered during the year, giving a puerperal
mortality rate of 1.73 per 1,000 live and stillbirths.
Rates over previous years have been :—
1938 0.67 per 1,000 live and stillbirths
1939 0.69 „ „ „ „ „
1940 0.79 „ „ „ „ „
1941 2.77 „ „ „ „ „
1942 1.32 „ „ „ „ „
1943 1.44 „ „ „ „
1944 1.30 „ „ „ „ „
1945 nil „ „ „ „ „
It will be seen that 58 per cent. of infantile deaths were
due to congenital malformation and premature birth. Comparatively
little is known of the causes of these conditions but
recent research has provided striking evidence that one of the
factors causing congenital malformation may be virus infections
of the mother, for example, by German Measles, during
the early months of pregnancy. This information may, one
day, make possible, to some extent, the prevention of malformation
by the protection of the expectant mother against
these infections. It is believed that premature births may be
due to certain nutritional factors affecting both mother and
child. It is clear, however, further marked reductions in the
infantile mortality rate will depend on the results of further
research on the causation of these conditions.
SECTION B.—GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH
SERVICES FOR THE BOROUGH.
Isolation Hospital Accommodation.
This has been available at the Bow Arrow Hospital of the
Dartford Joint Hospital Committee of which the Council is
the largest contributing member. The policy of not sending in
scarlet fever cases unless the clinical or home conditions
require admission, has been followed. The shortage of nursing
staff in the year 1946 has made it necessary for any admission
to be well scrutinised.
Genera! Hospitals.
Bexley Cottage Hospital.
Patients admitted during the year 190
Patient Days 4,159
Outpatient Attendances 1,214
X-Ray examinations 527
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