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54
Medical Investigation Sub-Committee.
The work of this Committee continues to prove of great value.
It consists of the medical members of the Council (E. Collingwood
Andrews, Esq., M.A., M.D., S. Boyd, Esq., M.S., F.R.C.S.,
S. Monckton Copeman, Esq.. M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.S., E.C.C.,
L. G. Glover, Esq., M.A., M.D., Miss I. Finlayson, M.B., Ch.B.) who
investigate in detail all deaths of infants under two years of age, Still
Births, Maternal Deaths, and all notified cases of Puerperal Fever and
Pyrexia. The following medical officers are present, the Medical
Officer of Health, the Assistant Medical Officer of Health, the Medical
Officers of Ante-natal and Post-natal Clinics and the Medical Officers
of the Tnfant Welfare Centres. In addition, the Health Visitors also
attend.
Prior to the meeting of the Sub-Committee particulars relating
to each case coming under review are obtained from the Health
Visitors, General Practitioners, and Hospital Medical Officers concerned.
All information obtained is treated confidentially, and as a
result of the investigations, either adjustments of existing administrative
procedure, or other measures, are undertaken with a view to
preventing a recurrence of the conditions ascertained to be the cause
of the fatality.

During the course of investigation the following facts emerged,
which are of interest. Of the 58 deaths under 2 years of age, 72 per
cent, occurred in institutions. Of the 25 deaths occurring during the
first month, 3 of these babies were found abandoned and 4 had no
fixed abode, 28 per cent, of the mothers had not received ante-natal
supervision. Of the 30 deaths between one month and one year, 53
per cent, had never attended an infant welfare centre.