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58
There were 2 deaths of infants during the first year of life from the
following causes: —
(1) Respiratory obstruction following inflammation of respiratory
passages after ingestion of silver nitrate stick—accidental.
(2) Broncho-pneumonia—mongolism.
Notifications were received that it was proposed to substitute artificial
feeding in respect of five infants.
Gas and Air Analgesia.—During 1949 gas and air analgesics were
administered in 356 cases, of which 299 were attended by the Domiciliary
Midwives (254 when acting as midwives and 45 when acting as maternity
nurses) and 57 were attended by the Salvation Army midwives (52 when
acting as midwives and 5 when acting as maternity nurses).
All the domiciliary midwives employed at the end of the year were
qualified to administer gas and air analgesia and the two Salvation Army
midwives were also so qualified.
Four sets of apparatus for the purpose of the administration of gas
and air analgesia are stored at the Ambulance Depot and the apparatus
is transported to the house of the patient on the request of the midwife.
The Salvation Army midwives also have one machine, which is kept at
their Branch Home and taken or sent to the home of the patient when
required.
The service is freely available to all having home confinements, provided
there are no medical contra-indications, and each expectant mother on
booking the midwife is supplied with a leaflet explaining the nature and the
availability of the service.

All patients booked for admission to the Maternity Hospital are
medically examined at the Ante-Natal Clinics, the first appointment normally
being made at the 16th week of pregnancy.
The Consulting Obstetrician or his Deputy visited the Ante-Natal
Clinic once each week during 1949 until the middle of November, when
the visits were increased to twice weekly. During the year 58 sessions were
held and a total of 1,360 examinations were made.
X-Ray Examination of Ante-Natal Patients.—230 patients were
referred from the Ante-Natal Clinic to King George Hospital for X-ray
examination during the year.
Post-Natal Clinics.—All patients confined in the Ilford Maternity
Hospital, and other patients on request are invited to attend the Post-Natal
Clinics for the first time approximately six weeks after confinement.
During 1949 clinics were held at the Maternity Hospital weekly and
at Mayesbrook Clinic once monthly. The following attendances were
recorded: —