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136
Ante-Natal Clinics .—Steady progress has been made at these Clinics.
Two extra sessions monthly have been found necessary for the increased
amount of work at Simpson's Road. The co-operation between the
Council's Ante-Natal Clinics and the local Midwives and Institutions is
increasing. This is all to the good, but it is obvious that, in spite of
this and increased hospital accommodation, the maternal death-rate
remains about the same. It is only by looking ahead and aiming at a
normal labour that any improvement can be expected.
Compensation to Midwives.—Compensation is now granted to midwives
in respect of patients who are confined in Maternity Hospital upon the
recommendation of the Council's Clinic Medical Officers. During the
year, i such case occurred and a compensation fee of ios. was paid.
Maternity Wards, St. Andrew's Hospital.—The Council's Maternity
Ward has been much appreciated by the mothers who can afford the
charges made; but in almost every case, it has been a hard struggle to
meet the assessment. The mothers who have been confined in any one
of the three wards are full of praise for the kindness and attention they
have received.
Infant Consultation Clinics.—The amount of illness amongst the
children during the first three months of the year affected the attendances
at most of the Clinics. The highest average attendance was at Wellington
Road—79.8 per session. This is too high, but as the accommodation is
so good, it is fairly easy to deal with this large number. Old Ford Clinic,
with an average attendance of 77.7, is at times so overcrowded that it
is impossible to do justice to the work. A separate weighing room and
a perambulator shelter are both urgently needed. It is hoped that the
accommodation at this Clinic will be improved.
Artificial Sunlight Clinic.—This Clinic continues to be a very valuable
asset to the work, and the results are most encouraging. At this Clinic,
even more than at the infant consultations, mothers learn the wisdom of
discarding heavy clothing which they formerly thought necessary for the
well-being of their children. A statement of the work of these Clinics
will be found on pages 148-154.
Dental Clinic.—Owing to the increased demand for treatment, 2
extra monthly sessions have been added, from 4th February. Many of