Ophthalmia neonatorum : especially in reference to its prevention / by W. G. Sym.

  • Sym, William George, 1864-1938.
Date:
[1894]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Ophthalmia neonatorum : especially in reference to its prevention / by W. G. Sym. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

    6/8 (page 6)
    There are certain objections to tliis plan into wliich we need not enter, but there is less reason to oppose the handing of such a printed slip as was suggested to persons registering births, though it is quite true tiiat very often the advice may come too late for that child, and may also occasionally be given to a totally irre- sponsible individual. Still, what is needed is diffusion of know- ledge on the subject, and this plan works in the direction of attain- ing that end. And even though Government may not see its way to adopt the suggestion made, more private and local distribution of such slips as have been mentioned has been attempted here and there through the country with good effect. Thus I learn from a paper read before the North of England Obstetrical and Gyna3cological Society by Mr Snell of Sheffield (14), that just such a card has been presented at the Sheffield Infirmary to every one bringing a case of ophthalmia neonatorum. And I have received information from Glasgow that a copy of a pamphlet, drawn up by Dr Russell, has for the last considerable number of years been handed to each couple register- ing the birth of a child. This pamphlet is printed at the expense of the Corporation, and is distributed without extra remuneration by the registrars at all but one of the district ofiices in Glasgow, I understand that Dundee thinks of following the good example, if indeed it has not already begun to do so. In conclusion, in the event of the Midwives Bill becoming law, and being extended to Scotland, I would strongly urge that we should take great care that proper instruction be given to the women in regard to this vital point, and perhaps that a penal clause be added to prevent carelessness or improper behaviour in regard to it. And I would also suggest, whether that Bill (about which I express no opinion) becomes law or not, that, through our much respected Medical Officer of Health, the Corporation should be requested to issue a slip or pamphlet such as has been in use in other places. I think myself that the paragraph bearing on this point in Dr Russell's paper is very good, and might be adopted with advantage, but should be more in the form of Mr Snell's slip. Dr Russell's paragraph runs as follows:— Eyes.—The first thing to be done on the birth of a baby is to cleanse and gently wash the eyelids and thereabouts. If a baby's eyes run with matter and look red a few days after birth, take it at once to a doctor. Delay is dangerous, and one or both eyes may be destroyed if not treated immediately. The discharge is infectious. RlCFEKENCES, 1. Annales cCOculistique, December 1894. 2. Archives cl'02'>htabnologie, March 1895. 3. Ibid., November 1894.