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(i) Post Mortem Examinations.—Today there is a trend towards more post
mortem examinations being carried out. This is as it should be, because to my mind
a post mortem examination ought to be carried out in the case of every death.
I am sure that if post mortem examinations were carried out in the case of all
infantile deaths, we should obtain much useful data whereby we could reduce the
number of these unfortunate deaths. By the same token this would apply equally
well to the deaths occurring in other age groups, and also to stillbirths.
Another factor in support of this procedure is the ever increasing use of
cremation.
I confidently expect that in my next Annual Report it will be possible to advise
you of the steps which have been taken towards securing some post mortem
examinations amongst still-births and neo-natal deaths.
(j) Mortality, Epidemics, etc.—During the first few months of 1937 there was
an epidemic of paratyphoid fever in South-Eastern Essex, and Barking in common
with its neighbours had cases occurring within its boundaries.
In all, there were 17 cases notified in Barking.
Most of these cases were admitted to your hospital, and in addition to these a
number of patients were also admitted as suspected paratyphoid fever. At your
Hospital a diagnosis of paratyphoid fever was confirmed in 14 cases, and it is to be
mentioned here that in this connection your pathological laboratory was found to
be of the greatest benefit in aiding and confirming diagnosis.
Several cases were nursed in Hospitals outside the Borough.
As each case or suspected case was brought to our notice, intensive enquiries
were made as to the possible source of infection, but in all cases our efforts were
unavailing and the source of infection was never found, so far as the cases in Barking
were concerned.
During the year five cases of acute anterior poliomyelitis were notified. Most
of these were of a mild character. Two were admitted to the Barking Hospital,
two to London hospitals and one was treated at home.
Three of the cases were placed under the care of Mr. B. Whitchurch Howell.
At the end of the year, four cases had fully recovered and one was progressing
favourably.
Acute anterior poliomyelitis is the name given to a disease commonly known
as infantile paralysis.