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have been provided in accordance with the practice which has been in operation for some
years. Cod Liver Oil Emulsion is also given where its administration appears to be advisable.
459 notifications of birth, made in accordance with the requirements of the Notification
of Births Act, were received. Of these, 94 referred to City mothers, and the balance
were transferred to the appropriate authorities.
The Woman Inspector, who undertakes the work arising from these notifications, reports
that 275 visits were made as a consequence of notifications received, and also that 331
special visits were made in connection with infant welfare. Three visits were also made
in respect of cases coming within the scope of the Children Act, 1908, all in relation to nurse
children, and ten in connection with verminous school children notified under the London
County Council (General Powers) Act, 1904.
THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS.
Some controversy was caused during the year by a suggestion of one of the Metropolitan
Borough Councils that the Ministry of Health should increase the age period from
three years to five years for children to receive milk without the formalities of the production
of a special medical certificate, as is required by the Maternity and Child Welfare Act.
This suggestion was made in consequence of an indication in the Annual Report of the
Chief Medical Officer of the Board of Education for 1925 that the health of children up to
five years of age necessitated greater attention and improved facilities for treatment of
disease prior to and during school life, and the stress of the importance of food, air, exercise,
rest, and the practice of hygiene.
The Ministry of Health were unable to agree to this suggestion, and in view of the
necessity for the exercise of economy and also for the maintenance of the desirable spirit
of independence and responsibility of the individual, one can only view this decision with
satisfaction, especially as no hardship is caused by the restriction in question.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Few comments are necessary with reference to the incidence of infectious disease
during the year 1927.
Diphtheria was prevalent to the extent of 16 cases compared with 47 in 1926. The
number of Scarlet Fever cases was 37 compared with 38 in 1926. There were 4 cases of
Erysipelas. Measles and Rubella are not notifiable diseases and only a few cases of illness of
this type were brought to my notice through the medium of the school medical service.
Twenty-nine cases of Chicken-pox were notified and one of Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
The percentage of cases removed to hospital for treatment continues satisfactory.
In each instance of notified disease a detailed examination is made of the sanitary condition
of the premises where the case occurred and a summary of defects found by the District
Inspector is given on page 60.
Notification of Infectious Diseases.—In the following tables will be found particulars of
certificates relating to cases of infectious disease, and information as to the removal of patients
to hospitals, infirmaries, etc.
Examination for Pathogenic Bacteria.—During the year the following specimens were so
dealt with. It will be seen that positive results were obtained in 2 4 per cent, of these
cases.
Result.
Specimen. Disease suspected. Positive. Negative.
68 Swabbings from throats Diphtheria 1 67
16 Sputa Tuberculosis 1 15
Of the 68 swabbings from throats, 44 were received from the Central Foundation School for
Girls, Spital Square, E.C.