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There were also two deaths from whooping cough. Both
of these occurred in children under the age of two years. Measles
and whooping cough are most fatal in the first few years of
life. It is of the greatest importance that everything possible
should be done by parents to protect young children from contracting
the infection. Older children are much less liable to
develop fatal complications.
Maternal Mortality.—Two deaths from Puerperal Sepsis
occurred during the year. This gives a death rate from Puerperal
Sepsis of '2.5 per 1,000 children born. This compares unfavourably
with the figure for England and Wales which was 1.8 in 1929.
Particulars of these cases are given under the Section on Puerperal
Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia.
In addition three other maternal deaths were recorded. In
one case no doctor or midwife was in attendance. The two
other cases were treated in Hospital where the best attention
was available for them. One patient was operated on for a
serious complication of early pregnancy. The operation was
successful but unfortunately the patient died during convalescence.
In all, there were five maternal deaths during 1930. This
is the same figure as that for the previous year.
Great benefit will undoubtedly arise from the new Maternity
Department which is being erected at the Nelson Hospital.
Accommodation is being provided for 20 beds, together with an
Ante-natal Department. Hitherto there has been no adequate
provision in Wimbledon for the treatment of complicated cases
of pregnancy and childbirth, amongst the poorer members of
the community. These cases have been dealt with in the
maternity departments of the large hospitals in other areas.
To solve this problem it is essential that every expectant
mother should receive constant ante-natal care. This is largely
a matter of continuous propaganda. In addition, hospital
accommodation with consultant aid should be available in the
Borough for all complicated cases.
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