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42
PUERPERAL FEVER
One case of this disease was notified during the year (a resident
in Edmonton Infirmary), so the death-rate is 0.57 per thousand nett births.
(See Section " Births.") Three cases, two from Tottenham and one Wood
Green woman were notified from the Edmonton Infirmary; two ended
fatally. Four cases also died in the Infirmary who were not notified in
this district, but in the Urban Districts of Tottenham (2), Enfield and
Hornsey.
On the receipt of a notification of Puerperal Fever, the case is
immediately investigated, and the facts communicated to the County
Medical Officer of Health, who has the administration of the Midwives'
Act, 1902. At the end of 1911 there were 19 registered midwives residing
and carrying on their work in our district, compared with 23 for the
previous year.
ERYSIPELAS.
Forty-nine cases were notified, compared with 55 in the previous
year, besides 9 "foreigners" occurring in the Edmonton Union Infirmary,
none in the Strand Union, and of our 49 cases all were in separate houses.
There were two deaths from this cause, and three of the " foreigners " died.
Sixteen cases occurred amongst people who were living in our
district outside the Union Infirmary, and yet unable to provide proper
attention for themselves. Under the Council's agreement with the
Edmonton Union Guardians, nursing had to be provided for them, as such
cases are not admitted into the isolation hospitals.
The cases were most numerous in February and October.
PHTHISIS & OTHER TUBERCULOUS DISEASES.
The deaths from phthisis numbered 60, as compared with 45, 50,
and 43, during 1911-10-9. The death rate from the disease is therefore
0.92 per thousand. Of these deaths, 24 occurred among residents of the
district in Edmonton Workhouse. The total deaths from phthisis in the
Strand and Edmonton Workhouses in the district numbered 111, or 33
more than last year.
The other tubercular diseases together accounted for 20 deaths,
giving a death rate of 0'31 per thousand. In this way tuberculosis
contributed a total death rate of 1.23 per thousand, or 12.0 per cent. of
all the deaths; this compares with 7.2 per cent. the previous year.
The Woman Inspector visits the houses not only where deaths have
occurred, but where cases of phthisis have been notified, and she leaves
a card of printed instructions, after giving such advice as she thinks may
be useful. She paid on this account 348 visits and re-visits during the
year, compared with 174 the year before. The disinfection of the room
lately occupied by the patient. and of his clothes and bedding, is offered,
and usually accepted by the) friends.