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12. (a) Number of infant deaths—
(i) Stillborn—16.
(ii) Within 10 days of birth—9.
(b) Cause of death in each case, and results of post-mortem
examination (if obtainable)—See Clinical Report.
The stillbirth rate was 25.0 per 1,000 live births, and the neonatal
mortality within 10 days of birth was 14.0 per 1,000 live
births.
(h) Occupation of Beds. The average daily occupation of beds
was as follows:—
January 23.8 July 33.0
February 30.2 August 26.1
March 27.2 September 29.3
April 23.0 October 28.1
May 31.4 November 18.8
June 32.2 December 25.4
The average for the whole year was equal to 70.2 per cent. beds
occupied (based on 39 beds).
(c) Research.—Dr. Helen Rodway is co-operating with the
investigation initiated by the People's League of Health into
deficiency in diet in cases of maternal mortality and morbidity.
(d) Emergency Unit.—During the course of the year the emergency
obstetric services previously available to General Practitioners
from the Maternity Hospital for the domiciliary treatment of
patients whose condition precluded their immediate removal to
hospital were re-organised in conformity with the suggestions of the
Ministry of Health Circular 1622.
General practitioners were informed that ,&ny request for the
services of the emergency unit should be made by telephone to the
Maternity Hospital stating whether or not the assistance of the
Resident Obstetrician was required. Certain members of the
trained midwifery staff are earmarked for this duty and special
equipment is retained ready for dealing with emergencies such as
hcemorrhage.
Opportunity was taken of reminding general practitioners as
to the other obstetric facilities available, i.e., Panel of Consultants
for complications during pregnancy, confinement and puerperium,
and the arrangements for the admission of emergency (unbooked)
maternity cases to hospital.