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SEPTIC DISEASES. 25
2.49 in 1911, and an average of 2.09 during 1907-11. In Table 18 (page 150) the corresponding
figures for the Metropolis and the districts immediately adjacent to the Borough are set out. The
highest rate observed last year was 8 91 per 1,000 births in Westminster, and the lowest, 2.22,
in St. Marylebone. In Hampstead and Willesden last years rates were below those of 1911; in
all the others above Again, with the exception of those two districts, all the rates recorded
last year were in excess of the averages, the greatest excess being recorded in Westminster.
Four deaths were recorded in the Borough from puerperal fever, equivalent to a fatality of
36 36 per 100 reported cases, as compared with 2871 in 1911 and an average of 3871 during
1907.11. Lower fatalities (Table 18) were recorded in Westminster (31.57) and Willesden (30).
The mortality (per 1,000 births) was 1.44 in the Borough, as compared with 071 in 1911, and an
average of 0.80 during 1907-11. The mortality in the Metropolis as a whole was 1.42, and lower
rates were recorded in St. Marylebone (0.88) and Willesden (0.76). Last year.s rates were in
excess of those recorded in 1911, except in Hampstead and Willesden, and the corresponding
averages, except in those two districts and St. Marylebone.
Puerperal fever is not the only danger to which parturient women are exposed, and last
year 6 women died of various causes included under the general title of " Accidents and
Diseases of Parturition," just double the number recorded in 1911. The mortality from these
causes (calculated per 1,000 births) was 2.16 last year, as compared with l.06 in 1911 and an
average of 3.03 during the years 1907-11. Lower rates were recorded last year in London (1.57)
and Westminster (1.87) and higher in all the other districts. In Westminster and Willesden
only were last year.s rates below those recorded in 1911 or the averages for 1907.11.
Mortality in Childbed.—The total mortality in childbed is the sum of the mortalities due
to puerperal fever and to accidents and diseases of parturition. The total mortality (again per
1,000 births) was 3.60 last year, as compared with 177 in 1911 and an average of 3.84 during
1907.11. Lower rates were recorded last year in London (3.00) and in Willesden (3.06), but last
year.s rates were below those of 1911 in Hampstead and Willesden. In Paddington and
Willesden the rates recorded in 1912 were less than the average; in all the other districts, above.
An examination of the rates given in Table 18 does not lend support to any suggestion that the
mortality in childbed is really decreasing, that is when the mortality is measured by the number
of children born into the world. It is quite possible that were the mortality measured by the
number of women of fecund ages (15.45 years), there would be evidence of a considerable
reduction, but such a comparison would be fallacious, as it takes no count of the smaller number
of women really at risk having regard to the reduction in the births.
It has long been urged that the Hospitals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board ought to be
available for the treatment of cases of puerperal fever. On August 20th last the Local Government
Board issued an Order authorising the Asylums Board to receive such patients. In the
case of women who are not paupers, the special recommendation of the Medical Officer of
Health is required before any patient can be admitted. Last year no patients were removed to
the Board.s Hospitals, but 6 were admitted to the Poor Law Infirmary, including the case in
which the original diagnosis was not confirmed.
ERYSIPELAS.—One hundred and seventeen (117) cases were reported during the year, the
same as in 1911, and 7 in excess of the average for 1907-11. Below will be found a tabular
statement of the cases reported during 1912 and 1911 in each of the Wards, together with the
annual averages for 1907.11.
Erysipelas.
Reported Cases.
Queen.s Harrow Maida West. Church, Lancaster Gate, Hyde
Park. Road. Vale. bourne. West. East. Park.
1912 14 37 12 15 25 1 3 10
1911 7 29 17 20 35 2 2 5
1907-11 11 24 13 20 32 2 2 6
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