View report page

60
NOTIFICATION OF BIRTHS.
There were 316 births registered in the district during the year,
309 being live births and 7 still-births. Of the total 316 births
registered, 310 or 98 per cent., had been duly notified in accordance
with the provisions of the above-mentioned Act. In every instance
in which there was a failure to notify a birth the person, or persons,
responsible have been communicated with and reminded of their
obligations under the Act.
During the year notifications were received in respect of 311
births, and of these 25 were notified by medical practitioners, 284
by midwives, and 2 by persons other than a doctor or midwife.
Still-Births.
There were 5 still-births notified during 1938, representing 1.6
per cent, of the total births occurring in the area in the year. An
enquiry was made into all cases.
Of the total number of "nett" births assignable to the district,
namely, 389; live births numbered 378, and still-births 11. Of
the 11 still-births, 7 were male and 4 female; two of these were
illegitimate.
The proportion of still-births was 2.8 per cent. of the total "nett"
births.
HOME-VISITING.
Three whole-time Health Visitors, who are specially qualified
for the purpose, undertake the home-visiting in connection with
maternity and child welfare work.
In carrying out these duties the Health Visitors have made special
home-visits in connection with various matters, in addition to their
visits to all newly-born infants among the working classes, and a
summary of the work performed by them during the year is given
below:—
Year Year
1937. 1938.
Visits to expectant mothers 401 308
First visits to newly-born infants 352 373
Revisits to infants under 1 year 1,646 1,450
Visits to children aged 1 to 5 years 2,857 2,451
Still-birth inquiries 2 13
Special visits to ophthalmia cases 1 3
,, ,, ,, puerperal fever cases 1 4
,, ,, ,, cases of measles 161 1,186
,, ,, ,, ,, ,, whooping cough 203 255
,, ,, ,, ,, ,, pneumonia 38 25
Visits to foster children 444 410
Visits in connection with infectious diseases other
than those above specified 1,604 1,472
Total visits 7,710 7,950