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69
Puerperal Pyrexia.
Since 1st October, 1926, notification is compulsory in the case of
any woman who, within 21 days subsequent to confinement, develops
a temperature of 100.4° F. where such temperature continues for, or
recurs within, a period of 24 hours.

* Includes one subsequently notified as Puerperal Fever and dealt with under
that heading.
Obviously, from the definition, such cases are frequently not due to
any complication associated with confinement. All cases are enquired
into, and where nursing assistance or hospital accommodation is required,
such is made available.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
As from the 1st October, 1926, notification to the Medical Officer of
Health of such cases became wholly the responsibility of the doctor in
attendance, the midwife being required to call in medical assistance
and to take such action as is laid down by the Central Midwives Board.

Apart from true cases of Ophthalmia, midwives have to report cases
of inflammation of the eye, and these, together with cases of Ophthalmia,
are kept under observation by the Health Visitors. The Borough
Council has made arrangements with certain local nursing organisations,
viz., the Ranyard Nursing Association and the Queen's Nurses,
Rotherhithe, for a nurse to visit and carry out the treatment prescribed.
Where, for any reason, hospital in-patient treatment is deemed
advisable, facilities are provided at St. Margaret's Hospital, Kentish
Town. Towards the end of the year it was decided to address to any
medical practitioner notifying a case of Ophthalmia a letter reminding
him of this provision.