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57
The development of alternative means of access to children
of this age group is presenting a current administrative problem,
discussed later in this Report.
Expectant and Nursing Mothers.
The total number of expectant and nursing mothers referred
from all sources was 426 compared with 393 in 1951. In contrast
with the previous year the greater proportion of these were sent
from the Ante-Natal Clinic, whilst those from the Municipal
Midwives' Service were somewhat reduced in number. With certain
exceptions fewer cases were again referred from Welfare
Centres. Though all those applying for treatment received
appointments to attend the Dental Clinic, absenteeism continues
to be rather high, and some 30 per cent, failed to appear for
their oral examination.
Expectant mothers examined for the first time numbered 329
against 268 last year. Of these, 75.6 per cent were seen during
the first six months of pregnancy, compared with 75.4 per cent.
previously recorded. Though a slight decline has been noticeable
during recent years this figure continues to be reasonably high,
and has no doubt to some extent been influenced by failure in
keeping "initial" appointments. It is also significant that certain
of those attending at later stages of their confinements did so as
the resiult of pain or discomfort, which might have been avoided
had treatment been sought at an earlier date.
There has been some increase in the amount of work carried
out for nursing mothers. This has been caused by later dates of
reference from the Ante-natal Department which did not permit
of treatment until after the confinement; in other cases names were
first received during the post natal period. In the case of recent
returns, figures are too low to afford any reasonable assessment
of present requirements; it would appear, however, that such
patients are adequately "served" in other quarters.
21 nursing mothers were referred during the current year,
compared with 13 in 1951.
Treatment.
Including those continuing treatment from the previous year,
352 mothers were dealt with, compared with 297 in 1951. This
increase is in no way sensational, but it may indicate a turning
point in the future of the Service from which more results may