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of Health, to obtain particulars as to whether the home conditions
are satisfactory for home nursing and treatment of the child, and
whether the visit of a trained nurse is necessary. Where a nurse
is necessary, one is sent, on the order of the Medical Officer of
Health, either from the King's Home for Nurses, Lower Clapton
Road, or from the Shoreditch and Bethnal Green Nursing Association,
80, Nichols Square, Hackney Road; (c) where home conditions
are unfavourable for nursing and medical treatment, the
case is, if possible, removed to hospital.
During the year 1917, there were 1,632 cases of measles notified
by medical practitioners and 469 cases by other persons—a total
of 2,101 cases. Of these, 1,763 cases were visited by the Health
Visitor. On their reports, nurses were sent to 63 cases. These
were attended daily by the nurse until her services became unnecessary.
Amongst the total cases notified, there were 107 cases
removed to hospital.
Apart from the actual saving of life by early nursing and
treatment, the measures above outlined serve to impress upon
parents the fact that measles is not a trivial child's ailment, but is
a most serious complaint which is responsible for a large percentage
of deaths among children.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—This is a dangerous and severe
inflammation of the eye, acquired by newly born infants. During
the year, 27 cases were notified, all of which were visited by the
Health Visitors and the mothers advised to seek medical treatment.
Special nurses were sent to five cases. All of the cases recovered
without damage to the eye.
The beneficial effect of the measures adopted by the Borough
Council will, I believe, continue to make itself increasingly felt.
I have pleasure in stating that the Health Visitors have
performed their duties during the year to my complete satisfaction.