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5
to take on entirely the functions of a General Hospital. The
extensions have proceeded slowly, but during the year the new
ward block was put into use as a Maternity and Gynaecological
unit, whilst the new Maternity Block was being erected; and the
new Children's Block, X-ray Department and special departments
block were practically completed and ready for occupation at the
end of the year. These three new blocks were opened on 7th
December by the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health,
and are good examples of modern hospital design.
A full account has been given of the Diphtheria Immunisation
work, and its perusal shows that parents are coming to
appreciate the value of the prevention which it demonstrably
confers. No special propaganda has been employed, as it was
felt that immunisation would carry its own message and that satisfied
parents would constitute the best advertising medium. 1 his
has proved to be right. Throughout the year the time which it
was possible to allocate for this work has been fully occupied.
In view of the comprehensive scheme in being for the care
of women before, during, and after confinement, a considerable
section has been devoted to describing this work and giving
statistical details. In addition, a separate special report will be
compiled dealing more fully with medical details. This report
has, in the past years since it was first issued in 1933, received
very favourable notice from high obstetrical authorities, and its
continued issue will enable valuable information to be summarised
and used to elaborate further preventive measures. Both Mayday
Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital have had a very busy
obstetrical year, a record being established in the number of
cases dealt with. Unfortunately, the present ante-natal clinic
premises at Lodge Road are quite inadequate to deal satisfactorily
with such large numbers, with the result that women have been
put to considerable discomfort whilst waiting their turn to see the
doctor. It is hoped, when the Observation Nursery has been
moved to the New Children's Ward at Mayday, that alterations
ran be made at Lodge Road to make better accommodation.
Owing to the overcrowding at the Infant Welfare Clinic at
l odge Road, the premises, 47, St. James's Road, were adapted,
and this clinic, together with the Ophthalmic and Massage Clinics,
are now held there. This has resulted in a welcome increase in
'he comfort of the many persons who attend these clinics.
A second session was initiated at the Lower Addiscombe
Road Clinic owing to the increase in attendances. The Infant