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(c) Puerperal Sepsis, etc.
3 cases of puerperal sepsis were notified, compared with 9 in
1922. One of the three cases proved fatal. None were attended by
midwives.
3 other deaths from puerperal sepsis occurred, making a total
of 4 deaths from this cause during the year, compared with 6 in
1922.
6 deaths occurred from other maternal accidents and diseases of
pregnancy or parturition, as against 10 in 1922.
Cases of puerperal fever can be admitted to the Borough Hospital
for treatment when necessary. No such cases were admitted
during the year.
(d) Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
23 cases of ophthalmia neonatorum were notified, as compared
with 21 in 1922. 15 of these occurred in the practice of midwives,
the remainder in that of medical practitioners.
Of the 15 cases in the practice of midwives, 11 were treated at
home, and 4 admitted to the Borough Hospital. Enquiry was made
at the end of the year into the condition of each child. In no
instance was any impairment of vision detected.
(e) Still-births.
89 still-births were notified during the year, or 3 per cent, of
the total notifications of births.
Enquiry is made where advisable into the circumstances associated
with the occurrence of the still-birth, and in some instances
the attendance of the mother at the ante-natal clinic has made it
possible to carry out blood tests, where these were thought likely
to throw light on the cause of the still-birth.
5.—THE INFANT AND THE YOUNG CHILD,
(a) Notification of Births.
2,967 notifications of live births were received during the year
out of a total of 3,445 registered, so that 86.1 per cent, of the births
were notified. 28 per cent, of the notifications were made by medical
practitioners, 58 per cent, by midwives, and 14 per cent, by
relatives. Of the 3,445 children born alive, 1,706 were boys and
1,739 girls.