London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Greenwich 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]
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found to be necessary for premature babies born in the district and
if transport under normal conditions in an ambulance is considered
to be undesirable, then a doctor and nurse may be sent from hospital
with a mobile incubator to transfer the child.
During the current year it was necessary to transfer ten babies
to the care of these units. Twenty-five babies born prematurely in
the district were able to be nursed at home.
Conditions for which Midwives summoned Medical Aid during 1966
| During pregnancy- | During labour- | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Threatened miscarriage | 4 | Premature labour | 9 |
| Toxaemia | 16 | Malpresentation | 9 |
| Anaemia (Hb under 10 mgms.) | 10 | Allergic to Pethidine | 1 |
| Ante partum haemorrhage | 17 | Foetal distress | 7 |
| Post-maturity | 3 | Delayed labour (2nd stage) | 9 |
| Rash on face and body | 1 | Retained placenta | 11 |
| Epigastric pain | 1 | Post-partum haemorrhage | 3 |
| Secondary haemorrhage | 1 | ||
| Ruptured Perineum .. | 58 | ||
During puerperium
| For mother— | For infant— | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | 3 | Still born | 3 |
| Phlebitis | 2 | Asphyxia—Blue | 4 |
| Puerperal psychosis | 1 | 2 | |
| Engorged breast | 1 | Premature | 35 |
| Puerperal pyrexia | 3 | Rash | 2 |
| Sub-normal temperature | 2 | ||
| Haemorrhage from cord | 1 | ||
| Imperforate anus | 1 | ||
| Convulsions | 1 | ||
| Jaundiced | 3 | ||
| Blood in stools | 3 | ||
| Raised temperature | 4 | ||
| Colds and coughing | 3 | ||
| Thrush | 1 | ||
| Vomiting, loss of weight | 2 | ||
| Sticky eyes | 7 | ||
In only three cases were claims for fees received from medical
practitioners called in by midwives in an emergency (Midwives
Act, 1951, Section 14).
Maternity Outfits—In all cases of confinements, other than in
hospital, maternity outfits are made available and during the current
year some 900 packs were distributed.
Midwifery Training—Part II—A scheme for the training of
midwives is undertaken in co-operation with the British Hospital
for Mothers and Babies, with each pupil spending 3 months on
the district.
No. of Pupils completing Course during year 16
No. of Pupils in Training at 31/12/66 6