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33
one could find was that the lying-in woman, husband and wife had one
room only. The third and fourth cases yielded no evidence, and in the
last case forceps had been used for prolonged labour.
My experience of the 1926 Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia
Regulations is that there is a little evidence to shew that the medical
practitioner would like the services of our consultant without having to
notify the case; this last mentioned has to be done before the consultant
is available. Further, I think that the necessary enquiries which have
to be made following a notification are not invariably welcomed by the
practitioner.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
14 cases were notified during the year. These were visited by the
Health Visitors, and, where necessary, by a Ranyard Nurse, in accordance
with the Council's scheme for the provision of nursing assistance.
From subsequent enquiries it has been ascertained that with one
exception, no patient suffered any apparent impairment of vision. In
this case one eye was slightly impaired. One child subsequently died
from acute bronchitis.
3 of the 14 cases notified were removed to hospital. In no disease
is more intensive work done than in Ophthalmia Neonatorum; this
can be ascertained from the full records disclosed on the Health
Visitors' cards of enquiry. Their function is to see that every step has
been taken and is being maintained to prevent injury to vision. Where
necessary, visits have been paid by Dr. Hill or myself.
Notified.
14
Treated.
At home.
11
In hospital.
3
Vision
unimpaired
12
Vision
impaired
1
Total
blindness
_
Deaths
1*
*Died from acute bronchitis.
Measles.
Under the Deptford (Measles) Regulations, 1922, made by the
Ministry of Health on the request of this Council, Measles is now a
notifiable disease. These Regulations came into operation on the
11th September, 1922, and terminate on the 11th September, 1927.
961 cases were notified during the year under report, and were visited
by your Health Visitors and a special nurse, and arrangements were
made by the Ranyard Nurses Association for daily visits of a nurse to
such cases as your Medical Officer of Health deemed advisable.