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In the case of every maternal death the circumstances are fully investigated
by the Medical Officer of Health, the findings being reported to
the Ministry of Health.
Puerperal fever, in particular, is a disease requiring early, active and
efficient treatment. The type of treatment and the highly-skilled nursing
involved are quite out of reach of the poorer sections of the community
in their own homes. These invariably consist of small flats and tenements
entirely lacking facilities for confinement. Wherever possible
in such cases arrangements are made for the women to be confined in
a maternity hospital or home, and there can be no doubt as to the desirability
of women entering an institution when the home conditions are
not satisfactory. Efficient treatment is provided by the Public Assistance
Committee, and also, with a view to providing for the safe confinement
of such cases, most of the Metropolitan Borough Councils have made
special arrangements. In addition, the Ministry of Health has provided
for the admission of cases to certain of the London County Council
Hospitals. Some patients, however, are unwilling to enter an institution
situated at any considerable distance from their homes. With the
sanction of the Ministry of Health the Borough Council has made arrangements
for the services of a skilled obstetric consultant in puerperal
cases and in cases of difficult labour, when desired by the medical
practitioner in attendance. No cases required consultation during
the year.
HEALTH VISITORS.
Duties.—The duties allotted to the Health Visitors are as follows :—
1. To visit the homes of all newly-born children amongst the
working classes within 21 days after birth, and subsequently as circumstances
dictate.
2. To visit the homes and make investigations in regard to stillbirths
and infant deaths.
3. To visit and give advice to parents in cases of ophthalmia,
zymotic enteritis and other diseases causing deaths amongst infants.
4. To visit and report upon all cases of puerperal fever.