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29
The two further cases both occurred in a Nursing
Home. The first was confined on December 12th, being
delivered by a midwife. A doctor was called in on December
16th, and later the patient was also seen by a gynaecologist
from London. The patient died on December 27th,
and the post-mortem examination showed old pelvic peritonitis
with many adhesions, and an acute peritonitis super
added. The uterus was absolutely empty.
The second case was confined on December 24th, being
delivered by another midwife. A doctor was called in on
December 25th, when one stitch was necessary for a slightly
ruptured perineum—this healed quite normally.
The case was treated by the administration of iodine
douches, and had antistreptococcic serum; she suffered
from joint pains and septic rash. She appeared better on
the morning of January 1st, 1926, but collapsed and became
moribund in the afternoon, dying at 5 p.m.
Both these cases occurred in one wing of the home,
and though very full investigations were made, and the
Matron gave all the help in her power to ensure an exhaustive
inquiry into the circumstances, no definite source of
the infection could be traced, and no blame could be
attached to anyone in attendance upon these women.
It must be regarded, I think, as one of those most
unfortunate incidents which occur at times in almost all
institutions in spite of the utmost care.
The rooms were thoroughly disinfected and completely
redecorated to our entire satisfaction.
A report on each case is furnished to the Surrey
County Council, who administer the Midwives' Acts.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
The number of cases notified in each year from 19211925
were 5, 6, 5, 4 and 5 respectively.
A Health Visitor is instructed to visit immediately upon
notification, and enquire into the circumstances of the case,
and a copy of the report is furnished to the Surrey County
Council.