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
Enfield 1945
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Enfield]
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20
MATERNAL MORTALITY
There were three maternal deaths during the year and the cause
was as follows: —
Broncho-Pneumonia; chronic valvular
disease of the heart; death accelerated
by spontaneous abortion In Hospital
Post-partum haemorrhage; 26 weeks' twin
abortion; acute hydramnios, hysterectomy
In Hospital
Post-partum haemorrhage and shock In Hospital
The ages of these three mothers were 22, 24 and 29 years.
All cases of deaths arising in connection with pregnancy or
child-birth are investigated and a private and confidential report
thereon transmitted to the Ministry of Health.
SUPERVISION OF NURSING HOMES
The Supervision of Nursing Homes in the district is carried out
by this Council. There are no Maternity Homes in the district, but
there is one Home for chronic, aged and infirm patients, and it has
been kept under regular supervision by your Medical Officers.
During the year a change of management took place.
| Proprietress | Address | Total No. of beds. | No. of Maternity beds. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miss A. Greenwood | 240, Baker Street, Enfield. | 7 | — |
ADMINISTRATION OF MIDWIVES ACTS, 1902-36
At the end of the year 1945 there were 14 Midwives practising
in the district, all of whom were employed by the Council as wholetime
domiciliary midwives.
The following table shows the cases attended during 1945 and 1944: —
| Municipal Midwives. | 1945 | 1944 |
|---|---|---|
| Cases attended as midwives | 559 | 616 |
| Cases attended as maternity nurses | 241 | 309 |
| Private Midwives. | ||
| Cases attended as midwives | Nil | 29 |
| Cases attended as maternity nurses | Nil | Nil |
Although the number of cases attended was less than the
previous year, considerable difficulties were experiencd owing to the
resignation of midwives and illness, the result being that there
were periods when the staff was placed under considerable strain
to cope with the calls made upon them.