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86
With regard to the incidence of venereal disease the following table
shows the death-rates of infants per 1,000 births, certified to have died
from syphilis:—
1901-5 2.8 1921-25 1.7
1906-10 3.2 1926 0.62
1911-15 2.4 1927 2.8
1916-20 4.95 1928 0.72
There are a number of cases in which inflammation develops in
the eyes of recently born infants, and if the discharge remains watery
in nature and pus does not form the condition need not be classified as
ophthalmia. The infection, nevertheless, may be gonococcal in origin.
Those are necessarily mild cases, but it is important that they should
be recognised and treated at an early stage, because if neglected genuine
purulent ophthalmia might ensue.
Seven cases were notified during the year, 4 of those being
treated in hospital. There were also 10 instances of watery discharge
from the eyes which were brought to the notice of the health visitors.
All cases of ophthalmia neonatorum are visited as soon as possible after
notification in order to see that adequate treatment is being provided.
Treatment by the district nurses was carried out in 2 cases, 72 visits
being-paid.
Dental Trcatment.—The Council's scheme provides for the treatment of
cases both under the Maternity and Child Welfare and Tuberculosis
Schemes. Figures relating to the latter will be found in the Tuberculosis
Section of the Report. Expectant and nursing mothers, and children under
five years of age, are eligible for treatment.
Mr. W. H. Turner, the Dental Surgeon, submits the following
report:—
I beg to forward myreport on the treatment carried out
at the Dental Clinic during the past year, 1928.
Whilst there has been a slight diminution in the number of
new patients, the treatment they required has necessitated a
greater number of subsequent attendances than in any previous
year. This appears to be due to the higher percentage of
patients presenting themselves sufficiently early to have more
detailed conservative work done, and a smaller number of the
cases requiring drastic extensive extractions.
This constantly increasing recognition of the importance of
early treatment for dental defects is a very good sign.
During the year the dental department at the Western
Dispensary has been extended by the addition of a well equipped
" Gas Recovery Room " adjacent to the surgery, and this has