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307
The total amount spent under the Order during the 12 months
was £142 1.5s. 6d.
On the advice of the Medical Officer of Health, a Maternity
Centre was started in January, meeting one afternoon a week under
Dr. Mabel Muncey. The number of mothers who attended was
66, and their visits totalled 110. This branch of the work grows
steadily, is becoming more widely known, and is much appreciated.
Midwives may attend with their cases, but if they are unable to
do so, a letter is sent to them enclosing the doctor's report.
In several cases bandages or belts were advised by the doctor.
Bandages have therefore been stocked, sold at cost price, and instructions
as to putting them on in the best way given by the Health
Visitors. The belts have either been cut out and fitted by the Chief
Health Visitor, or shop-soiled pregnancy belts have been bought
and adapted by her. In all cases the cost of the belt has been
borne by the mother.
The Ante-Natal Milk Cases mentioned in a previous paragraph
were all mothers attending this clinic.
In connection with the Clinic, an arrangement has been made
with the Home Hospital for Women, in the High Street. By this
arrangement, cases needing special medical treatment are admitted
to the Hospital's Maternity Ward at reduced rates.
With regard to Voluntary Societies operating in the Borough,
the Home Hospital has already been mentioned. Next door to it
is the Dispensary, which does extremely good work among uninsured
persons. Many of the mothers and children attending the Maternity
and Child Welfare Centre attend there for treatment. There is a
good deal of co-operation between the Dispensary and the Centre,
the results of which are very beneficial to the patients concerned.
In conclusion of this survey of work, it needs to be said that
there is one urgent necessity if the work is to continue at a high level.
This necessity is for more space, and the Medical Officer of Health
has already reported many months ago that this need is urgent.
Either by the extension of the present centre, or by the setting up