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MATERNAL MORTALITY.
We have now concluded a scheme with Queen Charlotte's Hospital whereby any case of Puerperal
Fever arising in the district can be admitted at once, in order to obtain the highest specialist
treatment which is available therein.
At last I am able to report that I have completed the chain of activities which are to ensure
that as far as possible at the present time, every mother in the district is ensured of the safest possible
confinement by the wise provision of the Local Borough Council.
There is now available for every pregnant woman in the area:—
(a) An Ante-Natal Specialist,
(b) An Obstetric Specialist in case of difficulty at the confinement,
(c) A Specialist in case of Puerperal Fever, and
(d) Beds provided at Queen Charlotte's Hospital, as I stated above, in case further treatment
is required.
In addition to this, from the dental side there is provision of everything that can ensure that
the mother's mouth is cleaned before her confinement.
Cases are recommended by the Ante-Natal Specialist for dental treatment, and where this
necessitates the removal of large numbers of teeth there is the provision subsequently of dentures.

But where the financial circumstances of the mother make this impossible, the amount which
shall be paid, if any, is assessed by a special sub-committee. Payment is allowed by instalments.
Where the extractions are numerous, in order that the mother shall get the least possible upset
an arrangement is made through the Royal Dental Hospital to admit the patients to their beds in
Charing Cross Hospital for one or two nights, as may be necessary, for which we pay at the rate of
25s. per night.
Thus, I think without fear of contradiction, we can say that in this area we have one of the
most complete schemes, if not the most complete, in the country for ensuring the safety of our parturient
women.
Although there is no Municipal Maternity Home included amongst the foregoing arrangements
made by the Borough Council, the erection of a first-class Maternity Block which is going to be increased,
in the West Middlesex County Hospital, provides a service which otherwise would become
the duty of the Borough Council.
DENTAL CLINIC.
The following is from the Dental Surgeon's Report for the year:—
MATERNITY & CHILD WELFARE DENTAL SCHEME, 1933.
General Comments.
Supply of Cases.—There was a slight increase in the number of patients dealt with, and
appointments show an increase from 1,150 in 1932 to 1,524 in 1933. Net attendances increased
from 925 in 1932 to 1,116 in 1933.
Evaluation of the above figures.—They do not altogether give a full value of the work they
have entailed, because in dealing with the youngest of the young and the " all sorts " conditions
of the Mothers, greater difficulty is experienced in disposing of these cases.