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88
been anticipated, and when discovered, it is hardly necessary to
add that every possible endeavour was made to avoid1 a fatal
issue.
Considering that this is the first maternal fatality in over
1,000 confinements and bearing in mind the fact that many cases
are referred to our Maternity Home because unusual circumstances
are likely to be encountered and difficulties met with, I cannot
help feeling that the record is an exceedingly satisfactory one.
One sometimes hears the argument that more deaths occur
in Institutions proportionately than elsewhere. It is, however,
always well to bear in mind the fact that an Institution, and
particularly one like the Council's Maternity Home, which is
available for the reception, not only of the normal case, but
also of cases which essentially need Institutional treatment, is
always likely to have cases which may terminate fatally in spite
of the best medical and surgical skill.
Ten babies were stillborn, and eight died within ten
days of birth.

The following continue their good work in the Borough: —
Local Medical Practitioners' School Clinic.
Health Centre, Deptford Green.
Rachel McMillan Memorial Nursery School.
Deptford Fund—Babies' Hospital.— The arrangement
made with the Deptford Fund still operates whereby they receive
in their Hospital such Greenwich cases as are recommended by
the Medical Officer for treatment (debility and dietetic disorders).
During the year 13 babies were admitted of which 3 were discharged
cured, 7 relieved, 1 was sent to Evelina Hospital for
operation, whilst 2 unfortunately died.