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
Finchley 1925
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Finchley]
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No maternity homes or institutions for the reception of
expectant and nursing mothers and young children are provided
by the Local Authority, and no provision is made for
dealing with unmarried mothers and illegitimate children.
The maternal mortality for the past five years is shown in the following table.
| YEAR | Number of Births. | maternal Mortality | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Deaths. | Deaths per 1,000 Births. | ||||
| Sepsis | Other Causes | Total Child birth | |||
| 1922 | 781 | 2 | ... | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| 1923 | 738 | 4 | ... | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| 1924 | 759 | 3 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 4 |
| 1925 | 724 | 1 | ... | 1.4 | 1.4 |
In previous reports the need for a scheme of ante-natal
supervision has been emphasised, and I am glad to be able
to report that the Council have agreed to establish an AnteNatal
Clinic at Bouchier House to commence in April, 1926
—a session to be held once a fortnight. The more recently
qualified midwives have been trained to regard efficient
ante-natal supervision as essential to the successful practice
of midwifery, and mothers are beginning to realise the
benefits that accrue from periodical medical examination
during pregnancy.
The incidence of puerperal fever and ophthalmia neonatorum in the district continues to be low. The numbers notified during the last five years are as follows :—
| 1921. | 1922. | 1923 | 1924. | 1925. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerperal Fever | 3 | 1 | — | 2 | 1 |
| Ophthalmia | |||||
| Neonatorum | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
It is difficult to obtain hospital treatment tor such cases,
but it is hoped that when the extension of the Joint Isolation
Hospital is completed this difficulty will be removed.
One case of ophthalmia neonatorum was notified in 1925.
The child was treated at home and made a complete
recovery.
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