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58
concerned, .represents slightly less than a 1d. rate, and that the
estimated annual figure for maintenance suggests that the annual cost
to the rates will subsequently not exceed the equivalent of a ¼d. rate.
There is no question whatever that the Maternity Home is very
greatly needed in Greenwich, on account of the fact that a large
proportion of the residents, owing to their overcrowded condition,
have no satisfactory accommodation of this nature. It will be possible
to give special attention to cases of an unusual character, and
it is confidently hoped that the Maternity Home will be the means
of preventing many of the lifelong miseries which follow what
should be a natural physiological function, but which, owing to
lack of proper facilities and environment has become in too mamcases
an event fraught with grave danger both to mother and child.
The purchase of the premises was completed by the end of
September, and the necessary redecoration, etc., was at once proceeded
with by the Council's Works Department under the direction
of the Borough Engineer.
Dental Work.—The arrangements made with the British
Dentists' Hospital that they should provide a qualified dental surgeon
to attend on one half-day per fortnight to give dental attention
to any patient certified by the Maternity and Child Welfare
Medical Officer as requiring such, with a view to an improvement
in their physical condition, are .still in operation. Eighty-seven
patients have been attended by the dental surgeon and 18 dentures
have been provided, the total cost of the dentures being £70 15s.,
of which amount the Committee have decided that the patients
should pay £55 10s.
Puerperal Fever.—Eleven cases of this disease were notified
during the year, one of which unfortunately- proved fatal. There
did not appear to be any common source of infection amongst these
cases, as they occurred in different districts and at different times
all over the Borough.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—Twelve cases of this disease were
notified during the year, both eyes being affected in 8 cases, and
one eye only in the remaining 4 cases.
With the exception of one case, in which the patient is still
attending Hospital for treatment, all the cases recovered.
Of the total number of cases, 7 occurred in West Greenwich,
4 in Easi: Greenwich and 1 in Charlton.
Measles.—See pages 16, 38 and 39.
The following table gives the number and character of the
intimations respecting births in the Borough : —