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
Sutton 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]
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Summoning of Medical Aid
During 1972 medical aid was summoned under the Midwives Act 1951 by midwives in the following number of cases:
| For domiciliary cases: | 1972 | 1971 |
|---|---|---|
| Where the medical practitioner had arranged to provide the patient with maternity medical services under the National Health Service | 140 | 66 |
| For cases in hospital | 139 | 328 |
Notification from Midwives
During 1972 the following notifications were received from midwives :
| 1972 | 1971 |
| Sending for medical aid 279 | 394 |
| Stillbirths 1 | 2 |
| Liability to be a source of infection (including Pyrexia) 21 | 13 |
| Death of mother or baby 1 mother | 1 baby |
It will be noted that one mother died from cerebral haemorrhage as a result of pre-eclamptic
toxaemia. This is the first death of a mother for four years.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum
During the year 1972 midwives sought medical aid for suspected cases of ophthalmia neonatorum
in respect of 22 (17) babies, but no cases were notified.
Maternity Outfits
A maternity outfit is supplied free on request to each expectant mother beingxonfined at home
who makes use of one or other of the arrangements for the care of expectant mothers under the
National Health Service.
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