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44
Neonatorum, unless the case has already been notified by a medical
practitioner.
A midwife, under the Rules of the Central Midwives Board—
which remain in force—is required to call in medical help for any
inflammation of, or discharge from, the eyes however slight, and
to send notice thereof to the local Supervising Authority which,
in London, is the London County Council, who supervise the
carrying out of these rules by the midwives.
This system, it is said, has tended to confuse the midwife
and, under the new 1926 Regulations, the midwife is required to
notify only the London County Council who supervise her work,
and the duty of informing the Medical Officer of Health (so that
die Health Visitors can follow up the case) is laid upon the Inspector
of Midwives, who is a medical practitioner employed by
the London County Council.
Medical practitioners are required to notify any cases seen
by them to the Medical Officer of Health who arranges with the
practitioners for such nursing or other services as are required.
Encephalitis Lethargica.—The Public Health (Acute Encephalitis
Lethargica and Acute Polio Encephalitis) Regulations, 1918,
came into operation on 1st January, 1919. During the year 1926
8 cases were notified, 4 being fatal. Seven patients were removed
to hospital.
Influenzal Pneumonia and Pneumonia.—There were 4 cases
of influenzal pneumonia and 46 of primary pneumonia notified.
As provided in the Regulations, where the nuising was found to
be inadequate a nurse was sent from the King's Home for Nurses
in accordance with an arrangement made with the Superintendent
at a fee of Is. 3d. per visit. During the year 83 cases, including
cases of pneumonia and broncho-pneumonia, were nursed and
1,495 visits were paid to those cases. Influenza, unless complicated
by pneumonia, is not notifiable.
Malaria.—There was one notification of Malaria in the
Borough during the year.