Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bethnal Green Borough]
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43
some kind of birth control, with unsatisfactory results, before
attending our clinic. Over half of this number had used Coitus
Interruptus and had found it unreliable. It is of interest to
note that all cases included under the heading Neurasthenia
belonged to this group. There was a history of previous
miscarriages in 29% and of stillbirths in 22% of the total
new cases.
It is satisfactory to note the steady improvement in health
as shown by the appearance and vitality among the mothers
making subsequent attendances. The incidence of pregnancy
has been low, 5 in all. Three of these were due to failure of
technique, which was freely admitted by the mothers concerned.
This may be regarded as a satisfactory comment on
the efficiency of method used and a tribute to the care and
good faith with which the mothers follow advice given.
It is pleasant to record the good tone and friendly
atmosphere of this clinic.
Attendances have been as follows :—
| January | 21 |
| February | 17 |
| March | 13 |
| April | 16 |
| May | 17 |
| June | 26 |
| July | 21 |
| August | 26 |
| September | 4 |
| October | 26 |
| November | 30 |
| December | 24 |
| Total | 241 |
| Average Attendance | 20.08 |
| Mothers have been referred by :— | |
| Medical Officers of Welfare Centres | 42 |
| Health Visitors | 22 |
| Public Assistance Committee | 1 |
| Mother attending Clinic | 1 |
| First Attendances : | |
| Contraceptive advice given | 53 |
| Referred to Burdett Road Clinic | 13 |
| Total | 66 |
| Subsequent Attendances | 175 |
| Total Attendances | 241 |