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45
The total attendances at the Clinics increased by 6,500, and the first attendances of children
under one year of age represented 71 per cent, of the notified live births. This is an increase of 13 per
cent, over 1937.

NOTIFICATIONS OF BIRTH.
The Birth Rate was higher last year (14-2 compared with 13-9 in 1937). Under the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936, 1,935 births were notified to the Department during the year, of which
67 were stillborn. The number of births notified by midwives was 1,815, and by doctors and parents
120. The stillbirths equalled 3-5 per cent, of the notified live births.
ANTE-NATAL CLINICS.
There were eight weekly ante-natal sessions functioning during 1938—five at Parson's Green,
two at Greyhound Road, and one at Wandsworth Bridge Road.
The Senior Medical Officer of the Maternity Home attends weekly at Greyhound Road in order
that she may be in contact with those patients who will be under her care at their confinement. All
applicants for admission to the Maternity Home must attend one or other of the Council's ante-natal
clinics. Many patients are referred directly to the clinics by hospitals and midwives.
It should be understood that any expectant mother in the Borough who is attending the antenatal
department of any hospital may also attend the Borough ante-natal clinics and avail herself of
the various benefits they provide for pregnant women.
Recent legislation has promoted adequate co-operation between clinics, hospitals, midwives,
and local practitioners.
A stock of maternity outfits is maintained at the Town Hall and at the clinics. Each parcel
contains all sterilised dressings, etc., likely to be required for use at a confinement in a private house,
and may be obtained by any expectant mother or midwife at a cost of two shillings.
Expectant mothers are becoming more alive to the necessity for systematic medical supervision
and 77 per cent, attended the clinics for ante-natal care.