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(11) Number of maternal deaths Nil
(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 5
(b) Within 10 days of birth (Premature) 1
(Died 14 hours after birth)
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.
One case of puerperal fever was notified as compared with
2 in 1928. The patient was isolated immediately on the onset of
pyrexia, and no further cases occurred.
In addition to the cases of puerperal sepsis, 4 cases of puerperal
pyrexia were notified, the confinement in 2 cases being attended
by a midwife. All the patients recovered.