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Dr. H. Gillespie, the medical officer in charge, reports as follows:—
A considerable proportion of the cases are relatively simple and can be dealt with in two or three interviews
by suitable advice to the mothers. There are, however, a number of difficult and severe problems, not only in the
children but in the mothers, some of which require much more intense and prolonged treatment.
As regards the results of treatment, these have on the whole been gratifying, and confirm the view that when a
child's problem is taken in hand early the prospects of solving it are much brighter than if it is allowed to drag on to
an age at which children are customarily referred to a Child Guidance Clinic, i.e., school age. My experience at
Paddington leaves me in no doubt as to the prophylactic value of this kind of treatment. Inasmuch as the treatment
consists largely in education of the mothers regarding the normal development and needs of the child, and the
best ways of management, its good effect is likely to be extended to any other children the mother may have.
The following are the commoner reasons for reference to the Clinic:—
Enuresis 14
Tempers 12
Feeding difficulties 9
Fears 7
Disturbances of sleep 6
Unhappiness 5
The main underlying causes appear to be maternal anxiety, which generally leads to over-protection; or on
the other hand a tendency to reject the child, which may lead either to neglect or, paradoxically, again to overprotection.
Another frequent causative factor is to be found in discord between the parents, which can, in some
cases, be adjusted after discussion with the therapist.
maternity beds.—Under an agreement with the Board of Management of St. Mary's Hospital four beds are
reserved for patients accepted for admission by the Borough Council at a charge of 15s. Od. per day per bed, whether
occupied or not. Any additional beds which may be needed are available at the same rate. Patients are assessed
according to means.
During the year 87 women were delivered in these beds. There was one stillbirth and no deaths within 10 days of
birth.
obstetric consultant.—Mr. Douglas H. MacLeod, M.S., F.R.C.S., continued to act as obstetric consultant,
but no request for his services was received during the year.
emergency obstetric service.—This service is provided by the London County Council. Its object is to deal
with acute obstetric emergencies in connection with patients who cannot be moved to hospital without undue risk