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The ante-natal clinics have been of great use in anticipating dangers at confinement, and
saving much suffering at childbirth and afterwards. During 1919, 36 confinements were arranged
for at home, and 273 were booked up for the Municipal Hospital. In connection with the home
confinements, midwives and home helps are provided by the Council in those cases in which the
economic circumstances fall below the scale adopted by the Council.
The success of the Infant Clinics may be gathered from the fact that in 1918 the infant mortality
rate per 1,000 births among babies attending the clinics was only 46.1; among the babies not attending
the clinics 161.6; and for all babies 97. In 1919 the infant mortality rate per 1,000 births among
babies attending the clinics was 38.5; among babies not attending the clinics 110.1; and for all
babies 82.8. The marked difference between the infant mortality rate of babies attending the clinic
as compared with babies not attending the clinic in two successive years testifies to the character
of the work which has been accomplished at the clinics established by the Council. It should be
observed that these satisfactory results have been achieved under great pressure and at a time when
it was impossible for the Medical Staff to give to each infant attending at the Clinic sufficient time
for the thorough investigation of the case and subsequent advice to the mother as to any necessary
treatment and more important still the care and maintenance of the health of the child.
School for Mothers.—During the year 1919, 1,089 attendances were made by mothers.
The mothers attending are mainly those who are pregnant with their first child, and desire information
as to their health and the subsequent care of the baby. They also want instruction in sewing, dressmaking,
and the cutting out of garments for themselves in pregnancy, confinement and the baby after
birth. Owing to the large amount of work to be undertaken by the staff in other directions, it has not
been possible to give this school the attention it deserves, but now that the Council have appointed a
needle-woman to assist the assistant-matron in charge of the school, attendances are already improving,
and further good work is anticipated.
Medical Inspection of School Children.—The Board of Education requires the Authority
to undertake the medical inspection
(i.) of all children admitted to schools in the area in the year ending on 31st March ;
(ii.) of all children between 8 and 9 years of age ; and
(iii.) of all children between 12 and 13 years of age, together with children over 13 years
of age who have not been examined on reaching the age of 12.
This work, which will involve some 8,000 inspections of children at the schools per annum,
is not at present being carried out owing to insufficient staff and accommodation. It is, however,
obligatory on the Authority, and will be carried out as soon as the arrangements contemplated have
been decided upon.
Specially Referred Children.—During the year 1919, 9,952 children were specially referred
by head teachers, attendance officers and others. Of this number 6,240 were medically examined,
the others being dealt with by the nurses attached to the Health Department.
Medical Treatment of School Children.—Medical Treatment of school children is compulsory
upon the Local Education Authority under the Education Act of 1918. Clinics have been
established in Willesden for this purpose. The first clinic established was a ringworm clinic in 1913,
and since that time, eye clinics, minor ailment clinics, throat, nose and ear clinics, and cleansing and
skin clinics have been established. In addition, the Board of Education have sanctioned the treatment
of school children at the Municipal Hospital.
Dental Work.—Dental Clinics for mothers and children were opened by the Council and
Education Committee in 1918. 878 attendances were made at the Dental Clinics by mothers and
children under five years of age during 1919. Difficulty was experienced in dealing with the mothers
on account of the fact that no provision existed at the end of the year for the supply of dentures. The
Council have now arranged to make such provision, and in these circumstances it is hoped that, with
additional dental assistance, it will be possible to deal with the cases of dental caries, pyorrhoea, and
oral sepsis found in expectant and nursing mothers. These conditions are not only harmful to the
mother, but are also prejudicial to the health of the child she is rearing.
During 1919, 2,804 children in the infants' departments were examined by the dentists at the
routine school inspections, and 2,332 children were specially referred by head teachers and others to
the clinics for dental examination or treatment.' 11,024 attendances were made by scholars at the
clinics for extractions, fillings and other treatment.
Dispensaries.—Simple prescriptions were made up at the dispensaries attached to the clinics
for expectant and nursing mothers and children. 13,880 prescriptions were thus dispensed during
1919.
Clinic Attendances.—The following Table No. 2 shews the growth of Clinic Work, the total
attendances rising from 299 in 1913 to 90,951 in 1919.