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1930
41
from the occurrence of cases of puerperal fever. Some nurses
and doctors do not appreciate that a perfunctory rinsing of the
hands in a disinfectant for a few seconds does not suffice to
sterilise them or even get rid of the dangerous microbes. One
of the highest authorities on the subject states that we ought to
recognise frankly that the use of naked hands in midwifery is
wrong and should give place to a general employment of rubber
gloves.
But another source of infection has recently been recognised.
Investigations have recently been and are still being carried out
which point to another source of outside infection. It is possible
and even probable that haemolytic streptococci can be carried in
the throats of attendants at the confinement. The occurrence of
a sore throat in any one in attendance becomes at once a serious
matter. The reports already issued suggest that the phophylaxis
of puerperal fever cannot be effective unless rigid asepsis of hands
and instruments or the wearing of rubber gloves is supplemented
by the use of masks by attendants during examination and
delivery. They also point to a new regime in maternity hospital
practice designed to secure definite bed isolation in the wards and
stringent aseptic surgical technique, including masking of the
attendants during manipulative interference, delivery and treatment.
Pre-natal Clinic.
The clinic is held once a fortnight in the School Clinic and
Dr. Bell is in charge.
24 sessions were held with a total of 170 attendances.
There is an agreement with the Acton General Hospital for
the reception of complicated cases of pregnancy and during the
year six patients were admitted under the scheme.
Although the numbers who have attended the pre-natal clinic
are higher than those of previous years, the working of our
maternity scheme cannot be regarded as entirely satisfactory.
Certain developments have already taken place in 1951, and
a report will be submitted to the Committee which will bring the
pre-natal work more in line with these developments.
Child Welfare Centres.
There has been no change in the arrangement of the child
welfare centres in the year. It was stated in last year's report
that the attendances at East Acton School necessitated a weekly
opening of the Centre there instead of a fortnightly one.
Six sessions are now held weekly: two each in Church Road
and Palmerston Road, and one each in East Acton School and
Steele Road.
A reference to Table 8 will show that the work has gradually
increased. In almost every branch of the work the figures arc
higher than those of the previous year.