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76
Four of the 18 stillbirths occurred in the private practice of a doctor; 3 in the
extern practice of a hospital; 11 in an institution.
Illegitimate Births.
An enquiry was made into the circumstances of 44 of the illegitimate babies
(46) whose birth was registered in 1924.
Four lived with their mothers who remained in their parent's home; if in
these circumstances I he mother has to go out to work the grandmother minds the
baby.
Eight lived with their mothers who went out to work, in one case the baby
being in a creche in the daytime.
Five were boarded out with foster-mothers.
Two were in Institutions.
Seven were living with both parents, who lived together permanently.
In, 12 instances no information could be obtained; the majority of these
mothers had entered a hospital or infirmary for the confinement and had not
returned to their previous address.
Six died; 3 in the institution in which they were born, 2 were admitted to
hospital after birth, and died at the age of 8 and 21 days respectively. As the
result of an inquest 1 was found to have died at home from want of attention
at birth.
Only 1 of these unmarried mothers came to the notice of the Health
Visitors before the birth of the child; in this case no special arrangements were
required, as the mother lived permanently with the father of the child.
Dental Treatment.
A number of nursing and expectant mothers and young children were treated
at the Council's Dental Clinic held at 10, John Street. The number of new
patients during the year was 90, viz., 45 women and 45 children; the number of
attendances 451 (women 347, children 104).
Assistance with Dentures, etc.
Extractions with local anaesthetic were made in 19 cases (18 women and
1 child) and with general anaesthetic in 70 cases, including 29 children. Scalings
were carried out in 26 cases (all women). Small fillings were provided in 98 cases,
including 31 children, and root fillings in 11 cases (mothers). Dentures were
provided for 17 patients, 16 of whom contributed towards the cost. In 3 cases
dentures were remodelled; 8 were repaired and dressings were given in 60 cases.
In the provision of dentures the cost is based on the charge approved for the time
being for dentists on the Ministry of Pensions Panel.