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11
INFANT WELFARE WORK.
Although no new work has been undertaken in connection with infant welfare during
1932, a scheme has been approved by the Corporation, resulting in a very much improved
procedure and control at the Infant Welfare Centre, which isheld weekly at St. Bartholomew's
Hospital. This scheme, which came into operation on 1st January, 1933, provides for the
attendance of a medical officer and a qualified health visitor, who is also a trained and State
registered nurse and certified midwife. This latter officer is also responsible to me for the
whole of the infant welfare work in the City. There is ample evidence already that the
improved facilities are much appreciated by City mothers.
Supplies of milk and dried milk at cost price, or 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 desirable.
In no case was home help necessary during 1932.
420 notifications of birth, including 22 still births, made in accordance with the requirements
of the Notification of Births Act, were received. Of these, 52 referred to City mothers,
and the balance were transferred to the appropriate authorities.
289 visits were made as a consequence of notifications received, and 490 special visits
were made in connection with infant welfare. Two visits were also made in respect of cases
coming within the scope of the Children Act, 1908, all in relation to nurse children. Two
verminous school children were notified under the London County Council (General Powers)
Act, 1904.
This does not, however, represent the number of births to 64 mothers, some of whom
were confined outside the City area. The actual number of births for which this Department
has to accept the responsibility of control will be found to be 65, and is referred to on page 8.
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
The investigation into maternal deaths, which the Ministry of Health now require to
be conducted, has not called for any particular organisation in my Department. With the
small City resident population, few deaths in this category are reported. When such do
occur, the investigations are conducted by me. No cases were reported during 1932.
It may be of interest to note that, from 1900 to 1932 inclusive, only 15 maternal deaths
have occurred among City residents.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
One hundred and four cases of notifiable infectious diseases were notified or reported
during the year 1932.
Notification of Chicken-pox.—In consequence of the presence of the mild type of small-pox
which has been more or less prevalent in London for the past few years, chicken-pox was
made notifiable in the City of London on the 17th March, 1930. The obligation has since
been extended and is still in operation, the latest extension carrying it to 17th day of March,
1933. Appropriate notice to interested parties was given, a copy of which is reproduced
in Appendix E of this Report.
Twenty-two of the cases reported were Diphtheria, compared with 14 in 1931. The
number of Scarlet Fever cases was 29, compared with 17 in 1931. There were 7 cases of
Erysipelas. Measles and German Measles are not notifiable diseases, but 14 cases of the
former illness were brought to my notice by medical practitioners and through the medium
of the school medical service. Twenty-five cases of Chicken-pox were notified, 3 of Acute
Primary Pneumonia, 2 of Typhoid Fever and 2 cases of suspected food poisoning. No
case of Ophthalmia Neonatorum was reported.
The percentage of cases removed to hospital for treatment continues to be 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 67.
In the following tables will be found particulars relating to cases of infectious disease,
and information as to the removal of patients to hospitals.