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104
With the exception of the Island Clinics, the sessions are veryovercrowded.
It is impossible to deal effectually with 80 to 100 children
in one afternoon. This number is reached frequently at Old
Ford, which is the only centre for a large area. The attendance at
Christ Church would be much larger if the premises were more suitable.
We badly need better accommodation on the Island.
Ante-Natal Clinics.—At Old Ford, this Clinio has been well
developed. The mothers are realising the advantage of medical supervision
during pregnancy. The attendances at Poplar have also
improved, but there is still a great deal to be done in this branch of
the work throughout the Borough.
Dental Clinic.—The Dental Clinic is now quite popular. Instead
of an attendance of 4 or 5 per session, we now have a long waiting list,
and it was found necessary to provide 4 extra sessions last year. The
prejudice against dental treatment during pregnancy is not so marked.
Several mothers have been referred from the Ante-Natal Clinics and'
have received necessary treatment.
infantile Mortality.—The rate for the Borough was 75. Out of
288 deaths, 93 were caused by Premature Birth, Malformations and
Debility, and 61 of them occurred during the first four weeks of life.
Respiratory diseases caused 102 deaths. The overcrowded condition of
the homes is largely responsible for this high number.
Zymotic Enteritis.—Out of the 18 deaths which occurred during
the notifiable period, 10 died before visit, 3 notifications were not
received, 3 only were visited. More deaths occurred before and after
the notifiable period—35.
The Health Campaign. This proved very useful in showing the
various activities which are carried out by the Public Health Department.
The Travelling Exhibition of the Central Council for Infant and
Child Welfare, and the display of garments made by our own mothers
at the Clinic sewing classes, were of great interest to both mothers and
fathers.
The most important visitors, from an educational point of view,
were the school children, who were very keen on the short talks which
were given.