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Attention is also drawn to the very large number of non-venereal patients who
present themselves for examination. This appears to indicate quite clearly that
the general public is appreciating more and more the efforts which have been, and
are being, made to spread far and wide a knowledge of the serious nature and grave
after effects of the venereal diseases.
Pathology
and bacteriology.

The increased use made by medical practitioners of the facilities for the
examination of pathological specimens is highly satisfactory. Under the Scheme,
medical practitioners who fulfil certain conditions, are entitled to free supplies of
the approved arseno-benzol preparations for the treatment of their private patients.
The number of medical practitioners availing themselves of this service is now 423, as
compared with 108 at the end of 1917, the first vear of the operation of the Scheme.
Hostel
accommodation
The necessity was recognised from the outset for accommodation where young
women and children under treatment could be lodged during the period of infectivity.
Certain hostels managed by or independently of hospitals, have received
grants in aid for this purpose, and experience has proved the value of these hostels
for the more efficient treatment of certain cases and for preventing the spread of
disease. During the year 1925, the number of patients dealt with at these institutions
from the areas in the scheme was 263, the aggregate number of days in residence
being 22,968.
Midwives Act and Children Act.
Midwives.
Duly certified midwives with London addresses exceed 5,000 in number, of
whom 901 gave notice of their intention to practise within the County during the
whole or part of the year, a decrease of 5 on last year's figures. About 10 per
cent. of the midwives with London addresses are in actual independent practice in
the County, the remainder acting mostly as monthly or general nurses under medical
supervision. Practising midwives, other than those who work entirely in hospitals or
infirmaries under medical supervision, are subject to inspection by the Council's
officers, with a view to ensuring that a proper standard of efficiency is maintained.
This work is carried out by four women medical inspectors, who pay special visits
to midwives having cases of a septic nature or persistent high temperature or inflammation
of the eyes. Advice is also given by the inspectors on any point of difficulty
arising in connection with the work: 2,384 visits were paid by the inspectors
this year, as compared with 2,294 the previous year.
Infringements
of
rules of
U.M.B.
84 infringements of the rules of the Central Midwives Board were reported
during the year, of which 44 were slight, and therefore dealt with by means of a
verbal caution; 23 cases were of a more serious nature, and were dealt with by a
written caution. As to the remaining 17 cases, 14 midwives were seen by the Committee,
and cautioned by them, the other 3 being reported to the Central Midwives
Board. In the 3 cases reported to the Board, 2 midwives were struck off the Roll;
in the other case the Board adjourned the case owing to the absence of an essential
witness. 13 midwives were suspended from practice with a view to the prevention
of the spread of infection, and in 6 cases compensation was authorised. One midwife