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119
The Council decided to come to an arrangement with Dr. Gilliatt,
who is the consultant to the Maternity Home; this was arranged for
one year in the first instance. A sum of £100 was included in the
Estimates to cover the expenses involved, this sum to include the cost
of blood and bacteriological examinations to be made by Dr. Davies,
Pathologist to the Seamen's Hospital. The arrangement, sanctioned by
the Ministry of Health, was that Dr. Gilliatt was to act as consultant
at a fee of £3 3s. 0d. per case, together with £1 1s. 0d. for travelling
expenses; Dr. Davies was to receive £1 1s. 0d. for each occasion on
which he took a sample of blood or a lochia swab. It was anticipated
that there would be few calls on Dr. Davies as the majority of these
cases are usually transferred to hospital by the time such procedure is
indicated.
It was decided to keep a 10 c.c. Record syringe at the Town Hall,
ready for use, on behalf of any practitioner desirous of taking a blood
sample. This syringe is kept steeped in alcohol.
As regards nursing assistance, referred to in the Regulations, it was
presumed that as Deptford's population is largely a working-class one,
the overwhelming majority of cases would be transferred to hospitals.
In the event, however, of a case being nursed at home, the Council, if
asked, would provide a Nurse (Ranyard or St. John's) at the usual cost
of 1s. 3d. per visit.
A copy of the new Regulations and the circular was sent to each
medical practitioner in the Borough, together with a letter setting out
the arrangements proposed by the Council.
At the close of the year 1926, one request had been made for
Dr. Gilliatt's services. By the same date, Dr. Davies had been called
in twice in connection with two separate cases. In case (l) 10 c.c. of
blood in citrated glucose broth were negative after 48 hours incubation;
the lochia swab contained numerous pus cells and heavy streptococcal
infection. In case (2) the blood culture was negative. The lochia
swab produced numerous streptococcal colonies; numerous pus cells
were present.
Particulars as to cases of Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia
notified, are given on another page.
(Note—By April 1927, it has become apparent that there will not
be many demands for specialist help. Dr. Gilliatt has only
been sought on two occasions and Dr. Davies on two also.)