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care and attention to cleanliness; small pieces of clean rag are
better than sponges, as each rag should be used once only and then
burnt immediately. Sponges should never be used except they are
burnt after each washing.
"A little vaseline smeared along the edges of the eyelids
prevents them from sticking.
"Water used in the first bath is known to be responsible for
many infections of the baby's eyes, hence it should be an absolute
rule that separate water should be employed for the face and the
rest of the body.
"If there is the slightest redness or discharge from the eyes,
a medical man should be sent for at once, as the disease requires
prompt attention, otherwise the child may lose its sight.
"The best thanks are due to the Medical Officers of Health of
the City of Chester and the County Borough of Stoke-on-Trent for
the information they have so kindly afforded on the matter.
"Without doubt arrangements could be made with the London
and Poplar Hospitals to admit both mother and child into wards
set aside for the purpose. So far as poor persons are concerned,
there would be no difficulty in transferring mother and child to the
temporary care of the Poor Law Authority, which might reasonably
be asked to make provision for such cases.
"Under the Public Health Act, 1875, any Local Authority may make
provision for the conveyance to a hospital or other place of destination, of
persons suffering under any infectious disorder.
"Under the Infectious Lisease (Notification) Act, 1889, the Local Authority
may pay the expenses of a person in hospital, even although such may not be a
pauper, and may provide nursing attendance on patients who cannot be removed
to hospital (vide footnote page 226, supplement B.M.J,, Report of Ophthalmia
Neonatorum Committee, 8th May, 1909)."
The Public Health and Housing Committee were of opinion it is
desirable ophthalmia neonatorum should be made a notifiable disease.
As it is necessary 14 clear days' notice should be given to the members of
the Council of the meeting at which it is proposed to adopt a resolution
applying Section 55 of the Public Health (London) Act to any infectious
disease other than those specifically mentioned in the Section, the Committee
proposed to recommend the Council at its meeting on the 7th July
next to make the following order, viz.:—