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The outstandingly improved figure in the foregoing table is that
of the number of ante-natal cases sent to the Clinics by the Health
Visitors. As the accommodation at the Health Centre for ante-natal
work is so satisfactory, a special effort was made during the year
by the Health Visitors to encourage expectant mothers to make use
of the Council's ante-natal clinics. The results have been most
satisfactory as the number sent this year was 128 as compared with
12 last year. The increase in the Health Visiting Staff has also
been a factor in this improvement. The number sent by midwives
has also increased this year from 91 last year to 117 and it is hoped
that this improvement will continue now that the domiciliary midwifery
service is in operation. A written report of every case, after
the first examination, is sent to the midwife engaged for the confinement
by the Medical Officer of the Ante-natal Clinic. If
abnormalities arise the midwife is informed and advised to encourage
her patient to consult her own doctor or go to hospital. If the
patient fails to keep her subsequent appointments at the clinic the
midwife is informed and every effort made by her and the Health
Visitor of the district to persuade the mother to return to the
clinic for supervision.
The amount of dental caries amongst our expectant mothers
is still considerable. 270 cases showed dental caries severe enough
to require treatment. The Borough Council has provided facilities
for this treatment and an increasing number of mothers are being
persuaded to make use of them. Unfortunately, the popular impression
is that dental treatment, especially the extraction of teeth,