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Maternal Mortality.—The total number of deaths due to
complications of pregnancy or childbirth was four, one being due to
sepsis and the remaining due to other causes. All died in public
institutions. The average age of death was 37.
The Maternal Mortality Rate for 1933 was 2.9 per 1,000 births
which compares favourably with 2.7, the figure for the previous year.
Formerly every case of maternal death was investigated by the
Health Visitors but now this duty is placed upon the Junior Assistant
Maternity and Child Welfare Medical Officer who can better approach
general practitioners and obtain any necessary information. Particulars
are obtained from the doctor who attended the patient at the time of
her death whether at home or in the hospital. If the detailed report
required by the Ministry of Health is still incomplete, especially in
respect of home circumstances, etc., this is obtained by the Health
Visitor.
Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia Regulations, 1926.All reported cases are carefully investigated and the arrangements
made by the Council whereby the local general practitioners may
obtain the services of obstetric consultants through the Medical
Officer of Health, are still in force. A report is sent to the Medical
Officer of Health by the Consultant following his examination of the
patient and every endeavour is made to assist the Doctor to carry out
the advice of the specialist. If necessary, patient and baby can be
admitted immediately to Hospital for treatment.
Only one case of Puerperal Fever was notified; such case was
seen by the Council's Consultant and subsequently removed to
hospital for treatment. Ten cases of Puerperal Pyrexia were notified,
four occurring in East Greenwich, three in West Greenwich and
three in Charlton and Kidbrooke.
Of the total number of notifications under these Regulations,
five came from institutions and nursing homes and six from private
practitioners.
Health Week, etc.—The usual teas and entertainment given to
the mothers and children attending the Welfare Centres were continued.
Lectures and talks were given by various members of the staff. During
the winter months a series of visits by the senior girls on the point of
leaving Elementary Schools in the Borough was carried out at several
Centres. The scholars were accompanied by a teacher, and all evinced
much interest in every detail of the work shown and explained to them.