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* Within the specified age group.
First attendances at ante-natal sessions amounted to 45 per cent. of all women
requiring ante-natal care during the year (as estimated from confinements over a
corresponding later period) compared with 50 per cent. in 1950. An increasing
percentage of mothers receive their ante-natal care from hospitals where they have
booked for confinement or from their family doctor who has been booked to undertake
the delivery. A number of hospitals refer their booked cases to the Council antenatal
sessions for intermediate supervision. The general practice is for mothers to
attend the hospitals to book, and later in pregnancy at the 34th to 36th week, according
to local practice, they are referred for final examination at the hospital to which they
are being admitted for their confinement. There was a corresponding decline in
post-natal attendances and in attendances at breast feeding clinics. Educational
and advisory sessions have been given increased support. There was increased
pressure on foot clinics.
Joint arrangements with other local health authorities
Reciprocal arrangements were continued with the Kent County Council whereby
expectant mothers and those with young children living in the Mottingham area
may attend either the Kent or London maternity and child welfare centre, whichever
may be nearer to their homes.
The arrangements whereby mothers and young children living in that part of
the county borough of West Ham adjacent to North Woolwich may, if they so wish,
attend the Council's North Woolwich Welfare Centre, Fernhill Street, E.16, were
continued.
Providing
M. and
C.W.
Services
Voluntary organisations
Throughout the year, 18 voluntary organisations have provided maternity and
child welfare centres under agreement with the Council in accordance with Section 22
of the National Health Service Act. The centres are administered by voluntary
committees on which the Council is represented and the premises are inspected from
time to time.
During the year, the Council took over the Moffat Institute Welfare Centre at
the request of the voluntary committee.
The Mothercraft Training Society decided to end its activities at the end of
July. As a result, their child welfare centres in Kensington and at Cromwell House.
Highgate. and, at the latter premises, an in-patient department for mothers and