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(i) Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—During the year fifteen cases of Ophthalmia
Neonatorum were notified. All of these cases recovered with unimpaired
vision.
(j) Illegitimate Children.—Special attention is paid by the Health Visitors to
all illegitimate children.
Twelve illegitimate children were born during the year, and three died. The
illegitimate mortality rate is more than four times the mortality rate for legitimate
children.
Last year I pointed out that the illegitimate mortality rate was higher throughout
the country than the mortality rate among legitimate children. This is a social
question of the first magnitude. Indeed, I feel it is social rather than medical, and
I do hope that together with other authorities you may be able to examine the
question and to make any necessary recommendations.
(k) Tonsils and Adenoids.—In previous years I have pointed out the desirability
of looking upon the surgical treatment of tonsils and adenoids as more than a minor
operation.
It is my opinion that where practicable the child should be admitted to hospital
a day before the operation so as to settle down and be retained at least two or three
or even four days after the operation. I think also the whole question of the
treatment of tonsils and adenoids should be reviewed and that a special out-patient
department should be set up for ear, nose and throat conditions, where these can
be studied intensively and where by means of special treatment it may be possible
to prevent what may be termed the wholesale slaughter of tonsils and adenoids
which goes on at the present time.
May I make it quite clear that before any child is sent to a hospital, it is seen
by one or even two doctors and even then it is not referred for the operation to be
performed, but for the independent opinion of the surgeon concerned.