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53
Maternal Mortality.—Arrangements for the investigation of
maternal deaths and cases of puerperal fever and puerperal pyrexia were
set up by the City Council in 1927 and remain in force. These provisions
were fully reported upon in the reports for 1929 and 1930. Neither the
obstetric consultant nor the pathologist was called upon to act during the
year. The reason for this is that women suffering from puerperal conditions
do not remain at home for treatment, but are immediately admitted
to hospital on notification. There were five maternal deaths. A summary
of results of inquiry are given below :—
E. L. S. (34).—Married, 3 months' pregnancy. Admitted to hospital
with miscarriage. Also suffering from influenzal br. pneu. and Graves
disease. Blood clot at placental site found at P.M.
E. A. (18).—Single. Eclampsia. First pregnancy. Not delivered.
Died in hospital.
M. G. (44).—Single. Nine previous pregnancies (3 miscarriages,
2 stillbirths and 4 children died at 6 weeks). Albumin in urine, oedema in
feet, face and hands. Child born before midwife was called. At first
refused removal to hospital. Had two eclamptic fits before being finally
removed. Died puerperal mania.
A. F. S. (42).—Married. Eight previous pregnancies. Confined at
home. Placenta prævia. Severe haemorrhage occurred. Anaesthetic
administered after heavy meal. Food regurgitated into air passage.
B. H. (30).—Died in hospital—septicaemia following abortion.
Although maternal deaths, numbering five, were exactly half those
recorded in 1931, it need not be supposed that this welcome reduction
is otherwise than fortuitous.
Maternity Beds.—The agreement with the Westminster Hospital for
the provision of maternity beds continues to work very satisfactorily.
As mentioned on a previous occasion the scheme has provided a long-felt
want and is a notable contribution to the solution of the problem of
maternal mortality. The cases admitted are those recommended from
the Council's three Maternity and Child Welfare Centres and that of the
Westminster Health Society. The grounds on which hospital accommodation
is sought are those laid down in Circular M. & C.W. 4, detailed in
a previous report. The total number of women admitted and confined
in the hospital was 54. Of these, 23 were from the centre at Ebury
Bridge, 15 from Bessborough Street, 6 from Marshall Street, and 10
from Marsham Street (Westminster Health Society).