London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Barking 1928

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]

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64
(11) Number of maternal deaths None
(12) Number of foetal deaths (a) stillborn, and (b)
within 10 days of birth and their causes—and
the results of the post mortem examination
if obtainable :—
(a) Still-born 6
(b) Within 10 days of birth (Premature twin) 1
PUERPERAL FEVER AND PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
On October 1st, 1926, the Public Health (Notification of Puerperal
Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia) Regulations, 1926, came into force.
These regulations require the notification of puerperal pyrexia
(according to the definition given in the regulations), in addition
to those cases previously notifiable as puerperal fever under the
Infectious Diseases Notification Act, 1899. In a circular accompanying
the Regulations, the Minister of Health urges local authorities
to exercise the powers conferred on them under the Maternity and
Child Welfare Act for provision of facilities for diagnosis, skilled
nursing at home, or institutional treatment, if in the opinion of the
medical practitioner in charge of the case any one of these is
necessary. In accordance with this direction, arrangements have
been made by the Council for nursing of the patient at home, or
in the isolation hospital as desired. In addition, Dr. A. Kennedy
has been engaged as consultant for those cases in which a second
opinion is required by the medical attendant.
\
Two cases of puerperal fever were notified as compared with
8 in 1927. One case occurred in the Municipal Maternity Ward.
The patient was isolated immediately on the onset of pyrexia, and
no further cases occurred.
In addition to the cases of puerperal sepsis, 6 cases of puerperal
pyrexia were notified, the confinement in 1 case being attended by
a midwife. All the patients recovered.
No definite cause of infection was found in any of the cases..