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73
During the year further efforts were made to ensure that in Chelsea
still better results will accrue from the measures already in operation to
diminish the risk involved in childbirth. The valuable reports by Dame
Janet Campbell issued by the Ministry of Health. have clearly shown
the necessity for such increased effort. Neglect in the past of provision
for the early diagnosis of conditions inimical to the health of mothers
has resulted not only in a high mortality rate but also in a considerable
and largely avoidable amount of suffering and invalidity amongst the
survivors.
Puerperal fever, in particular, is a disease requiring early, active and
efficient treatment. The type of treatment and the highly-skilled
nursing involved are quite out of reach of the poorer sections of the
community in their own homes. These invariably consist of small
flats and tenements entirely lacking in facilities for confinement. Whereever
possible in such cases arrangements are made for the woman to be
confined in a maternity hospital or home, and there can be no doubt
as to the desirability of women entering an institution when the home
conditions are not satisfactory. Many object to making use of the
accommodation and efficient treatment provided by the Board of
Guardians, and with a view to providing for the safe confinement of such
cases, most the Metropolitan Borough Councils have made special
arrangements. The Ministry of Health has also provided for the admission
of cases to certain of the M.A.B. Hospitals. Some patients, however,
are unwilling to enter an institution situated at any considerable
distance from their homes. With the sanction of the Ministry of Health,
the Borough Council made arrangements during the year for the services
of a skilled obstetric consultant in puerperal cases when desired by the
medical practitioner in attendance.
ANTE-NATAL WORK.
The work of ante-natal consultations is growing as it becomes better
known amongst mothers in the Borough. Sound advice, based on the
most recent scientific investigation, is provided by the medical officer
of the Antenatal Clinic. Every effort is being made to ensure that
mothers will take full advantage of the excellent arrangements made
by the Chelsea Health Society so that as far as possible all risk of disease
and accident incidental to childbirth may be removed.
SUPPLY OF MILK AT LESS THAN COST PRICE.
Provision is made under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1918,
whereby milk is provided in necessitous cases free or at less than cost
price.
The Milk and Welfare Sub-committee meets weekly at the Town
Hall to consider applications.