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Of the above number 39 were boys and 28 girls.
The number of neo-natal deaths, i.e., those dying before
attaining the age of one month, was 33, 25 of whom died in the
first week. These deaths consist principally of Prematurity, Injury
and Congenital Malformation, and the chance of survival is generally
very remote.
An investigation into the causes of Infantile Deaths is a routine
measure, a primary factor being to discover whether the mother
had adequate ante-natal treatment. From the case records it was
ascertained that in 32 cases the mother had not attended the
Council's ante-natal Clinic. Of these 9 received treatment from
General Practitioners; 14 from Hospitals or Nursing Homes, thus
leaving 9 cases to be accounted for. Further enquiry elicited the
fact that 2 were unmarried mothers who had no fixed address and no
ante-natal history was possible; 4 cases had booked with midwives,
whilst in 3 instances the mother had been ill resulting in premature
birth.
Deaths of Children 1—5 Years of Age.
During 1936 the Ministry of Health directed it was advisable
that more attention should be given to the pre-school child. Under
the Council's Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme facilities have
been provided for many years for treatment of minor ailments and
orthopaedic cases with local hospitals and also for convalescent
home treatment. Additional Toddlers' Clinics are now held at
which routine inspections are conducted and with the systematic