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It is possible, however, to give a brief summary. Of the sixteen women who died, twelve
did not receive ante-natal attention and from the facts supplied it appears probable that the lives
of five of these women might have been saved if they had enjoyed the advantage of that ante-natal
advice and care which can be obtained either from the general medical practitioners or the antenatal
clinics in the borough. In five of the twelve, it is probable that no ante-natal advice would
have sufficed to prevent death; indeed, the only precaution in these cases would have been the
avoidance of pregnancy. In the other two, there was accidental infection at the time of birth
which could not have been prevented by ante-natal care, and these deaths must be regarded as
unfortunate accidents.
GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES IN THE AREA.
STAFF OF THE COUNCIL'S PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Medical Officers.—In addition to the Medical Officer of Health and the Tuberculosis Officer,
who are whole-time officers, the Council retain the part-time services of several medical men. Dr.
Remington Hobbs, Medical Superintendent of St. Mary Abbots Hospital, acts as Consultant
Gynaecologist in cases of puerperal fever and puerperal pyrexia; and Dr. Ronald Carter serves the
Council during the Summer months in connection with their scheme for the treatment of zymotic
enteritis.
In 1928, Dr. T. S. Keith was appointed bacteriologist to the Council, he is also Pathologist to
the Board of Guardians and Honorary Pathologist to the Princess Louise Kensington Hospital
for Children.
Dr. Reginald C. Lightwood, an assistant physician on the staff of the Princess Louise Kensington
Hospital for Children, is in charge of the Borough Council Rheumatism Supervisory Clinic.
In the first half of the year, he had six months' leave of absence in order to undertake specia
work at another hospital and his position was temporarily filled by Dr. Francis Bach.
Male Sanitary Inspectors.—The normal staff is ten District Inspectors. For the purposes of
sanitary inspection, the Borough is divided into ten districts, one of which is allotted to each of
the ten inspectors, who carry out duties under the Public Health Acts, the Housing Acts, the
London County Council (General Powers) Acts and, so far as men's factories and workshops are
concerned, under the Factory and Workshop Act.
Mr. Henry Dawes, who is the Sanitary Inspector for No. 10 District (Brompton area), holds
the position of Senior Sanitary Inspector in accordance with the requirements of Section 7 of the
Public Health (Officers) Act, 1921.
Food Inspector.—Mr. H. W. Walters, who holds the Certificate of the London Sanitary
Inspectors' Examination Board and the Certificate for Meat and Other Foods, has been appointed
to carry out the duties under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, the Rag Flock Acts,
1911 and 1927, the Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1924, and the various Acts and Orders dealing
with milk. Recently there have been several Orders issued under the Agricultural Produce
(Grading and Marking) Act, 1928, and the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, and Mr. Walters has been
appointed to enforce the requirements of these within the Borough.
Canal Boats Inspector.—For about half-a-mile of its length, the Grand Junction Canal runs
through the Borough of Kensington, and under an agreement made over thirty years ago, the
inspection and supervision of canal boats under the Canal Boats Acts 1877 and 1884, was carried
out on behalf of the Kensington Borough Council by the Paddington Authority. During the course
of the year, it was considered desirable that an officer of this Council should undertake this work,
and in October, Mr. R. J. McCarthy, Inspector for No. 2 District, was specially appointed for
the purpose. A report of this officer's activities during the year under review appears on page 31.
Women Health Officers.—There are nine ladies appointed as Women Health Officers. Seven
are engaged in the work of visiting mothers of the poorer classes and advising them in the care and
management of their infants, and in assisting with the work of the seven Infant Welfare Centres.
They also devote a portion of their time to the inspection of factories and workshops where women
are employed, and in visiting cases of ophthalmia, enteritis, measles, whooping cough and consumption.
Two Women Health Officers (Miss Hargrave and Miss Haycock) are employed on
in-door work at the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
Health Lecturer.—Mrs. Hayman commenced her duties as Health Lecturer in June, 1926.
She is a fully trained hospital nurse. Her office is a part-time one occupying approximately five
half-days a week.
Clerical Staff.—In addition to Mr. J H. Wilson, the Chief Clerk of the Department, there are
eight clerks, one of whom is attached to the Tuberculosis Dispensary