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66
Puerperal Pyrexia.
Since 1st October, 1926, notification is compulsory in the case of
any woman who, within 21 days subsequent to confinement, develops
a temperature of 100*4° F. where such temperature continues for, or
recurs within, a period of 24 hours irrespective of the cause. The
notifications received have been as follows:—
1926 (part) 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934
Cases 5 16 12 6 10* 17 17 15 15
* Includes one subsequently notified as Puerperal Fever and dealt with under
that heading.
Of the 15 cases notified, 11 had been confined in hospital and 4 at
home. Of the latter, 2 were subsequently sent to hospital. Three
deaths occurred.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
As from the 1st October, 1926, notification to the Medical Officer of
Health of such cases became wholly the responsibility of the doctor in
attendance, the midwife being required to call in medical assistance
and to take such action as is laid down by the Central Midwives Board.
The following is a statement of notifications received:—
1926 (part) 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934
Cases 14 9 18 14 26 21 11 8 21
The following is a statement of the results of treatment in respect
of the cases notified in 1934:—
Vision Vision Since died
Notified Treated unim- im- Total other
At home In hospital paired paired blindness Causes
21 19 2 21 — —
Apart from true cases of Ophthalmia, midwives have to report cases
of inflammation of the eye, and these, together with cases of Ophthalmia,
are kept under observation by the Health Visitors. The Borough
Council has made arrangements with certain local nursing organisations,
viz., the Ranyard Nursing Association and the Queen's Nurses,
Rotherhithe, for a nurse to visit and carry out the treatment prescribed.
Where, for any reason, hospital in-patient treatment is deemed
advisable, facilities are provided at St. Margaret's Hospital, Kentish
Town.