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42
PUERPERAL FEVER. „
One case of this disease was notified during the year, who died (a resident
in Edmonton Infirmary), so the death-rate is 0-54 per thousand nett births. (See
Section "Births.") One case from Tottenham was notified from the Edmonton
Infirmary and ended fatally. One case also died in the Infirmary who was not
notified in this district, but in the Urban District of Enfield. One case was
notified but is not included in the above figures, as it was not confirmed by
subsequent observation.
On the receipt of a notification of Puerperal Fever, the case is immediately
investigated, and the facts communicated to the County Medical Officer of
Health, who has the administration of the Midwives' Act, 1902. At the
end of 1912 there were 18 registered mid wives residing and carrying on their
work in our district, compared with 19 for the previous year. During 1912
there were 281 midwives practising in Middlesex and 358 not practising; four
were removed from the midwives' roll by the Central Midwives' Board and one
cautioned. During that year 4 uncertified women were prosecuted by the
County Council for acting as midwives.
The County Public Health Committee report that "there is no reason to
think that in the County area there is inadequacy in the number of practising
midwives."
ERYSIPELAS.
Fifty cases were notified, compared with 49 in the previous year, besides
one "foreigner" occurring in the Edmonton Union Infirmary, and one in the
Strand Union. All of our 50 cases were in separate houses. There were
two deaths from this cause, but none of the " foreigners " died.
Twenty-one cases occurred amongst people who were living in our district
outside the Union Infirmary, and yet unable to provide proper attention for
themselves. Under the Council's agreement with the Edmonton Union
Guardians, nursing had to be provided for them, as such cases are not admitted
into the isolation hospitals.
The cases were most numerous in September, October and December.
In May a proposal was considered from the neighbouring district of
Tottenham as to the establishment of a central institution where cases of
erysipelas occurring in the eight districts of the Edmonton Union could be
removed to, isolated and treated. No action has been taken thereon.