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 1934
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]
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125
Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia.
Fifteen cases of Puerperal Fever and 36 cases of Puerperal
Pyrexia were notified. This is a rate of 3.9 per 1,000 births (live
and still births) for the former and 10.8 per 1,000 for the latter.
The death-rates were:—Puerperal Fever, 1.21 per 1,000 births.
There were no deaths attributed to Puerperal Pyrexia.
The following Table gives fuller details concerning these cases.
Table III.
| Puerperal Fever. | Puerperal Pyrexia. | |
|---|---|---|
| No. of cases notified | 15 | 36 |
| „ „ attended by doctor alone at confinement | — | 1 |
| „ „ attended by doctor and midwife | — | 1 |
| „ „ attended by midwife alone | 10 | 26 |
| „ B.B.A. | 6 | 8 |
| „ „ attended in an institution | 2 | 19 |
| „ „ attended in Private Nursing Homes | 1 | 7 |
| „ „ treated at home only | 1 | 4 |
| „ „ treated at hospital | 2 | 27 |
| „ „ treated at Private Nursing Home | 1 | 5 |
| „ „ treated partly at home and partly in hospital | 11 | 18 |
| „ „ who died | 4 | — |
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. No applications were received.
The Committee also assist necessitous patients in the payment
of the midwife's fee. 26 applications were made for assistance
by midwives on behalf of the patients, and a total sum of
£37 19s. was allowed.
Table IV.
Accommodation for Confinement.
The following Table gives information concerning the accommodation utilized for confinements.
| Number. | Percentage. | |
|---|---|---|
| In Private Houses | 1,698 | 46.7 |
| In Public Institutions | 1,281 | 35.2 |
| Registered Maternity Homes | 657 | 18.1 |
There is a distinct trend towards confinement taking place in
Institution or Maternity Home.