Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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A post-mortem examination was made in 10 cases.
The number of deaths within 10 days of Infants born in the Hospital was 11, details being as follows:—
(a) Premature. | (b) Full Term. | Total. | |
---|---|---|---|
Atelectasis | 8 | 1 | 9 |
Haemorrhagic disease | 1 | - | 1 |
Erythroblastosis | - | 1 | 1 |
Totals | 9 | 2 | 11 |
A post-mortem examination was made in five cases.
Three infants admitted from the District died subsequently in
Hospital, the causes of death being as follows:—
Atelectasis and Prematurity 2
Congenital malformation of the heart 1
REPORT ON THE DIET OF PATIENTS AND STAFF.
Since the Council agreed to the proposal to allow the occasional
services of an advisory dietitian, Miss Simmonds, Senior Dietitian
in the London County Council Service has visited the Hospital at
intervals.
In August Miss Simmonds made an analysis of the food served
in the Hospital to patients and staff for a period of one week. She
has agreed to do this every two months and to report her opinion
and advice.
The main points of the first report are as follows:—
1. The diet of both patients and staff in spite of the limitations
in variety of food is well balanced and conforms to accepted
pre-war standards for healthy adults.
It does, however, fall a little below the new standards
accepted at the Hot Springs conference.
2. The mineral and vitamin contents are above the pre-war standards
except in the case of vitamin D where it falls below the
allowance advised for nursing mothers.
In making a comparison with the new standard which
has been accepted by the Ministry of Food, the mineral
and vitamin content of the diet is less than it should be
for nursing mothers and very slightly less than it should
be for active adults.
On comparison with the Medical Research Standard,
U.S.A.—There is a shortage of Vitamin A and D in the diet of the
patient. This can be made up with cod liver oil or vitamin capsules.
An addition to the diet of a little more fish would also increase the
amount of vitamin D. Herrings, salmon and sardines are the best
sources of this vitamin.