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It will be noted that the total attendances during 1925 have decreased.
This is largely attributable to the fact that the Nursery was closed for
nine weeks early in the year owing to an outbreak of diphtheria.
In March, the staff nurse was notified as suffering from Diphtheria,
removed to the M.A.B. Hospital, where she subsequently recovered.
Measures were taken to prevent the spread of the disease, 32 swab throats
being taken by the Medical Officer. One proved positive, a child of
18 months. This case was also removed to hospital and recovered. In
addition, the mother of this patient contracted the disease. She, unfortunately,
died in hospital. The Nursery was closed for a period of
nine weeks during which time it was adequately disinfected, the drainage
thoroughly overhauled and made good. Apart from these cases of
Diphtheria, the health of the Nursery has been remarkably good. Dr.
Alice Benham is the Medical Officer to the Nursery and makes a fortnightly
inspection of the children.
PUERPERAL FEVER.
Three cases of puerperal fever were notified in 1925. One of these was
a patient who had already been admitted to a Lying-in-Hospital, where
she subsequently died. The other two cases were removed to hospital
from their homes as soon as the disease was diagnosed. One of these
recovered.
PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH.
Six deaths from other complications of pregnancy and childbirth
occurred in 1925. Of these, two resulted from abortion consequent
upon illegally performed operations. Of the remaining four deaths,
two were due to extra-uterine gestation and two to heart disease.