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
Walthamstow 1935
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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11. CONSULTANT OBSTETRICIANS.
The services of a Consultant Obstetrician were requested by
General Practitioners on five occasions (i.e., apart from the
Maternity Home).
The table below gives particulars in respect of each case :—
| No. | Diagnosis. | Where treated. | Infant. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prolonged labour | Admitted to Hospital. | Live baby. |
| 2 | Prolonged labour— forceps delivery. | ,, ,, ,, | ,, ,, |
| 3 | Prolonged labour forceps delivery. Locked twins. | ,, ,, ,, | Live twins. |
| 4 | Concealed accidental hæmorrhage. | ,, ,, ,, | Stillbirth. |
| 5 | Prolonged labour— | ,, ,, ,, | One live baby. One stillborn. |
There were no maternal deaths in any of these cases.
12. MIDWIVES ACTS, 1902—1926.
Number of Notices of Intention to Practice January, 1935 28
Number of Notices of Intention to Practice during 1935 17
Total 45
Number of Midwives ceasing practice during 1935 18
Number of Midwives practising at end of 1935 27
There was no change in the arrangements for the employment
or subsidy of Midwives by the Council.
Dr. Sheppard has acted as Inspector of Midwives and has
carried out the routine quarterly inspections, the results of which
have been satisfactory. Additional inspections in respect of
emergencies such as Ophthalmia Neonatorum, Puerperal Fever
and Pyrexia, and Maternal Mortality, have been made by your
Medical Officer of Health.
Of the 27 Midwives in active practice during 1935, an
average of 14 were employed at the Maternity Home and 5 by
the Walthamstow District Nursing Association, leaving a total
of 8 independent Midwives in active practice. Of these 8, one
practised at her own registered maternity home, and the other 7
had the following number of cases: 85, 75, 44, 36, 23, 6 and nil
within the Borough (Midwifery and Maternity).