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
West Ham 1952
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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Care of Premature Infants.
Premature Infants.
Place of Birth and Deaths under 1 month.
| Number of Infants | Number died within 24 hours | Number died within 28 days | Number survived 28 days | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | |
| Born & nursed at home | 47 | 13 | 23 | 22 | 2 | 1 | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 43 | 41 | 23 | 21 |
| Born & nursed in hosp. | 153 | 148 | 145 | 150 | 12 | 22 | 7 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 22 | 14 | 127 | 111 | 116 | 123 |
| Born at Home & transferred to hosp. | 9 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | |
| TOTALS: | 209 | 197 | 176 | 180 | 16 | 23 | 8 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 23 | 15 | 175 | 157 | 145 | 150 |
Out of a total of 69 deaths of Infants under 1 year, whose place of residence is in
West Ham, 30 occurred in premature infants who died within the first month of life (as
shown in the above table).
Although the numbers born at home is comparatively small and although the premature
Infant born at home is usually larger and more robust than those born in hospital, their
nursing presents a number of practical difficulties. In order to help the mother to keep
her baby at home and yet give him adequate care, the Council has provided certain equipment
which has been available on loan since 1st June, 1951. This equipment includes draughtproof
cots with appropriate bedding, screens, suitable clothing for the baby's first days
and other items designed to keep thfe baby warm, to protect him from infection and to give
him a good start towards normal growth and development. Vitamins and minerals are provided
in the form of Radiostoleum, Ascorbic Acid Tablets and Syrup Lacto Phosphate; and a detailed
chart, which the mother can stand on the mantelpiece, gives her clear instructions on the
daily amounts to be given from the baby's third day. In addition, the mother is provided
with written advice on the "Reasons for Special Care" of the premature baby, with particular
reference to warmth, feeding, vitamins and protection against infection.
Since the introduction of the scheme several requests have been received from the
District Midwives for the loan of equipment, particularly for the cots and scales. In
addition, requests have been made "by the Health Visitors for the loan of scales for
weighing premature babies discharged from hospitals.
The Deputy Superintendent Nursing Officer, who had attended a special course at the
Sorrento Maternity Hospital, Birmingham, before her appointment, is responsible for the
liaison and co-ordination of the premature baby arrangements. Hospitals have been asked
to notify the discharge of premature babies by telephone in order that the Health Visitor
may visit the home as soon as possible.
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