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37
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—Fourteen cases occurred in 1927—6
males and 8 females. Five were admitted to 1 hospital and 9 treated
either at home or as out-patients of hospitals. In addition to these
notified cases, 13 cases of slight inflammation of the eyes came to the
knowledge of the Department. Facilities are afforded for the treatment
of this disease by the Metropolitan Asylums Board at St. Margaret's
Hospital, Kentish Town, N.W. Mothers are also admitted, and, if
necessary, receive treatment.
It will be noted that this year the cases of genuine Ophthalmia are
fewer, but those of inflammation of the eyes are more.
The following details in tabular form are required by the Ministry of
Health of the cases notified in 1927 :—
Cases.
Total.
Treated.
Vision
unimpaired.
Vision
impaired.
Total
blindness.
Deaths.
At home.
In hospital.
14
9
5
11
—
—
—
Of the three remaining children one child died of prematurity and another of congenital
syphilis and one child moved away after notification. No cases were notified by
midwives during 1927.
Bacteriological Laboratory.
The examination of specimens for bacteriological investigation is
carried out by Dr. Braxton Hicks at the laboratory of Westminster
Hospital. The facilities provided by the Council apply only to patients
who are residents in the City. A charge, however, is made for work done
on behalf of individuals whose place of occupation is in Westminster,
but who may be attended by Westminster practitioners.
The following is the summary of bacteriological work performed :—
Swabbings from throats in suspected diphtheria 595
Blood in suspected typhoid 3
Intra uterine swabs 2
Sputa for investigation of T.B. 404
Expenditure on first three was £84 18s. lld., and for the fourth
£62 0s. 2d., including cost of outfits, postage and telegrams.