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
Lewisham 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham Borough]
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Obstetric Nurse Training
A programme of community care is arranged for one day during the ten-week
course for obstetric nurses. We have been able to provide this experience for 36
students during the year.
Premature Babies
In addition to the three patients transferred to hospital in premature labour, nine
other babies were born at home weighing less than 5lb. 8 ozs. Of this number three
had to be transferred to hospital the remaining six progressed very well and thrived
at home.
Hospital Admissions—Babies
Eleven babies were admitted to hospital during the early neo-natal period for the following reasons: —
| Cyanotic attacks | 4 |
| Oedema | 1 |
| Jaundice | 3 |
| Vomiting | 1 |
| Blood loss per rectum | 1 |
| Atresia and Down's syndrome | 1 |
Screening for Phenylketonuria
Midwives are continuing to undertake the Scriver test (Plasma Chromatography)
on babies when 9 or 10 days old. During the year 1,343 tests were made; no positive
cases were found, although some babies had to be tested up to three times to
eliminate false positives.
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