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41
Maternal deaths considered by the Sub-Committee:—
1. Patient died at New End Hospital—death certified as being
due to "Nephritis of pregnancy—6 days—and acute
dilatation of stomach."
This case died on the 22nd March, the baby having died two
days previously from "Prematurity."
2. This patient died at Queen Charlotte's Hospital. Death
certified as being due to "shock following difficult labour,
acute cardiac failure."
3. Patient died at the North-Western Fever Hospital. Death
certified as being due to "Puerperal Septicæmia."
This case had attended the Borough Councils Pre-maternity
Clinic.
There seemed to be nothing the Borough Council could have done
in respect of Nos. 1 and 2. With regard to No. 3, a great deal of
trouble was taken to ascertain the cause or origin of the infection. The
doctor who was in charge was severely critical of the nurse; but, as she
was not a qualified nurse, little could be done. I have always deemed
it a disappointing fact that, although we provide a fully trained nurse
for any case requiring one, more advantage is not taken of the facility.
The advice has been frequently given to doctors and the laity; but, in
spite of everything, many people prefer the old type of untrained woman.
Also, this case, while attending the Borough Council's Pre-maternity
Clinic, was found to be suffering from Venereal Disease, and this was
thought to have had something to do with the subsequent disaster.
Still-Births.
With regard to still-births, it is well here to call attention to the
fact that still-births are not registerable at any time ; but are notifiable
if births occurs after the 28th week of pregnancy. There is no obligation
on the part of anyone to notify before that. The still-births which are
notified to me represent only a small proportion of the total loss of life
which occurs during the nine months of pregnancy.
The notifications of the 26 still-births gave no information on
which any opinion could be formed as to the causes of the still births,
and I decided to invoke the aid of the doctors and midwives in obtaining
some further insight into the cause of the still-births.