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11
INFANT WELFARE WORK.
No new work has been undertaken in connection with Infant Welfare Work, as it is
found that the needs of the City are amply filled by the arrangements already in operation.
The small resident population of the City and the consequent few births enables a close
personal touch to be maintained between my staff and the City mothers.
The Infant Welfare Centre administered by the Corporation at St. Bartholomew's
Hospital has had a satisfactory attendance at the weekly Wednesday session, and supplies
of milk and dried milk, at cost price, under cost price, and free, according to circumstances,
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.
418 notifications of birth, made in accordance with the requirements of the Notification
of Births Act, were received. Of these, 78 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 291 visits were made as a consequence of notifications received, and also that 327
special visits were made in connection with infant welfare. Seven visits were also made
in respect of cases coming within the scope of the Children Act, 1908, all in relation to nurse
children and six in connection with verminous school children notified under the London
County Council (General Powers) Act, 1904.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Few comments are necessary with reference to the incidence of infectious disease
during the year 1928.
Diphtheria was prevalent to the extent of 23 cases compared with 16 in 1927. The
number of Scarlet Fever cases was 25 compared with 37 in 1927. There were 3 cases of
Erysipelas. Measles and German Measles are not notifiable diseases and only 7 cases of the
former illness were brought to my notice by medical practitioners and through the medium
of the school medical service. Twelve cases of Chicken-pox were notified, one of Ophthalmia
Neonatorum, and 5 of Acute Primary Pneumonia.
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 62.
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 30.2 per cent. of these
cases.
Result.
Specimen. Disease suspected. Positive. Negative.
43 Swabbings from throats Diphtheria 7 36
13 Sputa Tuberculosis 6 7
Of the 43 swabbings from throats, 10 were received from the Central Foundation School for
Girls, Spital Square, E.C.