London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Willesden 1930

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]

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10
1 case—confined at home—normal delivery—removed to hospital on the 10th day—
diagnosed parametritis—examination showed mass of inflammatory tissue in
broad ligament—recovered. First confinement.
1 case—confined in hospital—instrumental delivery—prolonged labour—ruptured
perineum—pelvic peritonitis—2 stitches—baby died at 17 days—cerebral
haemorrhage. Mother recovered. First confinement.
1 case—incomplete abortion at home. Removed to hospital 3rd day—recovered.
5
2 cases were treated in the Municipal Hospital and recovered.
1 case was treated in Park Royal Hospital and recovered.
2 cases were treated in Hospitals outside Willesden, one recovered and one died.
5

Puerperal Fever Cases, 1930. Home Circumstances. Table No. 5.

Number of Cases.Number of Rooms.Number of occupants, including new-born baby.
Under 10 years.Over 10 years.Total.
12123
1 (fatal)4134
13336
15167
1Occurred in an Institution.

Puerperal Pyrexia.—34 cases were notified during the year. Two of these 34 cases proved
fatal, the deaths being recorded as puerperal septicaemia.
During 1930 the Council have continued their efforts to deal effectively with the subject of
maternal mortality.
(1) Sterilised Accouchment Sets.—These sets are supplied either free or on payment according
to a scale sanctioned by the Minister of Health.
They are available for :—
(a) Expectant mothers attending the health centres.
(b) Expectant mothers not attending the health centres but whose
finement will be attended by a midwife.
(c) Expectant mothers not attending the health centres but whose
finement will be attended by a doctor.
and may be obtained from the Municipal Health Centres by the doctor, the midwife
or the expectant mother on presenting a written recommendation from her doctor
or midwife.
During 1930 these sterilised accouchment sets have been increasingly made use
of. 48 were supplied free, 13 at the full cost and 1 at part cost.
(2) Specialist Help.—-The Council now accept responsibility for the payment of the fee of one
of their specialists called in by a medical practitioner to assist him in connection with
a difficult case of labour occurring in a Willesden resident. 11 such consultations were
paid for in 1930.
(3) Provision of Aneesthetist.—The Council further accept responsibility for the payment of a
fee (not exceeding 1 guinea) to an anaesthetist, called in by a medical practitioner in
connection with confinement cases. Three such fees were paid in 1930.
Maternal Mortality.—The Council has continued to take part in the investigation of deaths
of mothers in childbirth for the Maternal Mortality Committee of the Ministry of Health. The
investigations are carried out by a consultant obstetrician. 14 cases were inquired into during 1930.
The Council also provides the services of a consultant in cases of Puerperal Fever and Puerperal
Pyrexia when desired by the practitioner in attendance. 6 such consultations were paid for by the
Council in 1930.