H.—3l

Inspection of Maternity Hospitals. Reports from the Medical Officers of Health and my own inspection show that all the hospitals are well and efficiently equipped and most are conducted well, but they have revealed the fact that in many instances antiseptics are not being used in their correct effective strength. This applies particularly to Dettol, an efficient antiseptic if used in a 2-per-cent. solution (3 drachms to 1 pint).

Showing the Proportion of Confinements Conducted in Maternity Hospitals and in other places. 1927 to 1936.

I have found that it is often being used at one-third the correct strength, and one cannot help connecting the rise in death-rate from puerperal sepsis with such carelessness. _ Licensees' attention has been repeatedly drawn to this, and information on the right strength of antiseptic supplied to all of them. It is to be hoped that it will not be necessary to take more drastic action.

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