London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Croydon 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]
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Table LXXXVIII
| Puerperal Fever. | Puerperal Pyrexia. | |
|---|---|---|
| No. of cases notified | 23 | 50 |
| „ ,, attended by doctor alone at confinement | 4 | 8 |
| ,, ,, attended by doctor and midwife | 2 | 4 |
| „ „ attended by midwife alone | 17 | 38 |
| „ ,, attended in an institution | 4 | 31 |
| ,, ,, attended in Private Nursing Homes | 8 | 8 |
| ,, ,, treated at home only | 2 | 11 |
| „ ,, treated at hospital | 3 | 31 |
| „ „ treated partly at home and partly in hospital | 18 | 8 |
| ,, ,, who died | 11 | — |
Under Section 2 (1) of the Midwives and Maternity Homes
Act, 1926, a midwife is enabled to claim compensation for loss of
practice on account of suspension from work to prevent the possible
spread of infection. 3 applications were granted and a sum of
£33 8s. paid.
The Committee also assist necessitous patients in the payment
of the midwife's fee. 5 applications were made for assistance
by midwives on behalf of the patient and a total sum of £8 2s.
was allowed.
Table LXXXIX.
Accommodation for Confinement.
The following table gives information concerning the accom modation utilized for confinements.
| Number. | Percentage. | |
|---|---|---|
| In Private Houses | 2018 | 62.4 |
| In Public Institutions | 546 | 16.9 |
| Registered Maternity Homes | 669 | 20.7 |
THE WORK OF THE OBSTETRIC UNIT.
Under the scheme of reorganisation, detailed in my report
for 1930, a whole time specialist obstetrician who is also an
Assistant Medical Officer of Health, was appointed to take clinical
charge of the obstetric and gynaecological work of the Council
The scheme has been working the full year and it is possible to
present herewith details of the work done. Undoubtedly the
scheme has succeeded : the work of this department is increasing,