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MATERNAL MORTALITY.
The investigation of maternal deaths occurring in this
district is carried out by the Middlesex County Council.
Arrangements are made for cases of Puerperal Pyrexia
and Puerperal Fever to be admitted either to one of the
London County Council's Hospitals or to Queen Charlotte's
Isolation Hospital. With a view to tracing the source of
infection in certain cases I have arranged for the Medical
Practitioner in attendance on such case to take a swab of
their throat and nose, and from that of all other attendants
and for them to be sent to Queen Charlotte's Hospital for
typing.
It is regrettable to record that during the year there
were five maternal deaths—one from puerperal sepsis and
four from other puerperal causes.
Dr. j. Bell acts as a consultant in cases of Puerperal
Fever or Puerperal Pyrexia, and was called upon in this
capacity on two occasions. Arrangements are also made
with certain nursing associations for the supply of nurses
when required.
Dr. J. Bell also acts as consultant in complicated
maternity cases, and during 1933 he was called in on three
occasions.
INSTITUTIONAL PROVISION FOR UNMARRIED
MOTHERS.
No special institution exists in the District for the care
of unmarried mothers. When applications occur they are
referred to the Public Assistance Officer, and accommodation
is found in the new Maternity wards of the Redhill Hospital.
HEALTH VISITING.
The Health Visitors visit all houses where a birth has
occurred, for the purpose of giving advice on the feeding
and all matters relating to the care of the child, where
possible on the nth day, and unless requested otherwise
every three months to one year; at 18 months; 2, 3, 4, and
just prior to 5 years,
Where requested, expectant mothers are also visited.
Enquiries are made into all cases where notice is received
from the Middlesex County Council that a midwife has called
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