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
Dagenham 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Dagenham]
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MATERNITY SERVICES
Maternal Mortality
There were no maternal deaths in this area during 1956.
Ophthalmia Neonalorium
Eight cases of ophthalmia neonatorium were notified—all made
a complete recovery.
There were 33 cases of other eye conditions occurring in newlyborn
infants requiring medical treatment.
Domiciliary Midwifery Service
Below is a table showing the work of the County Midwives, Midwives residing at York House Training Home and Salvation Army Midwives for the year 1956:
| County Midwives | Midwives Residing at York House Training Home | Salvation Army Midwives | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Births Attended: | |||
| As Midwife | 139 | 201 | 76 |
| As Maternity Nurse | 156 | 8 | 3 |
| Miscarriages Attended (included in above) | 3 | 11 | 3 |
| Visits Paid: | |||
| As Midwife | 4,279 | 5,200 | 1,960 |
| As Maternity Nurse | 2,574 | 297 | 70 |
| Ante-Natal | 1,952 | 1,527 | 421 |
| Ante-Natal Clinics Attended | 327 | 164 | 51 |
| Gas and Air Administered: | |||
| As Midwife | 81 | 112 | 71 |
| As Maternity Nurse | 116 | 3 | 2 |
York House—Midwifery, 1956
The domiciliary midwifery undertaken by the staff of York
House has steadily fallen due to the increasing facilities for hospital
delivery. A number of patients prefer hospital confinement because
of the convenience and others were admitted because of inadequate
home conditions.
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