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39
(11) Number of foetal deaths (still-born or within 10 days of
birth) and their causes, and the results of the postmortem
examinations, if obtainable :
(a) Still-born 3
(b) Prematurity2
Total 5
(12) Number of cases remaining in ward on 31st December,
1924:—
(a) Women 8
(b) Babies 5
Total 13
As previously, advantage was taken of the Maternity Ward
for the treatment of suitable cases referred from the ante-natal
clinic. Thirty-one cases were admitted during the year, and the
average length of stay was 17.16 days.
PUERPERAL SEPSIS.
Three cases of puerperal sepsis were notified compared with
four in 1923, none of which were admitted to the Infectious Hospital.
Of the cases notified one had been attended by a midwife.
Special investigations were carried out by the health visitors
in all notified cases, but in no instances was it possible to arrive
at any specific cause for the condition.
MATERNAL DEATHS.
Three deaths occurred attributable to the puerperal state,
giving a maternal mortality rate calculated on the number of
deaths per 1,000 births of 3.54.
During 1924, the maternal mortality rate for England and
Wales was 3.90, the significant fact emerging that this rate has
varied very little as a whole during the past quarter of a century.