View report page

33
CARE OF MOTHERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Clinics
The value of joint domiciliary midwifery and hospital
services under unified clinical supervision in Croydon has been
amply demonstrated in recent years.
With no increase in the number of hospital beds and accommodation
for only 2/3rds of all births, every expectant mother has
clear and proper arrangements made for her confinement. I am
assured by the Consultant Obstetricians that the routine use of
the E.B.S. to obtain at the last moment a maternity bed, has not
extended to Croydon. This does not mean that every mother who
wishes to be confined in hospital is admitted, but any mother
who for medical or social reasons is deemed at the Ante-Natal
Clinics to require a bed in hospital will be so booked. Clinic
attendances rose during 1961, reflecting the increase in the
birth-rate. At ante-natal clinics a total of 4, 535 mothers
attended during the year, 3,372 for the first time. 23,520
attendances were recorded. At the post-natal clinic, 1,883
mothers attended for the first time and made a total of 1,906
visits.
Care of Premature Babies
There were fewer premature babies born than in 1960 and more
survived. All those born at home were alive at the end of one
month
For detailed figures see Appendix, page 100
Care of the Unmarried Mother
The Croydon Association for Moral Welfare continued to act
for the Corporation and received payment on a capitation basis
for cases dealt with by their Social Workers. The Corporation
also paid hostel fees in respect of approved cases for whom such
accommodation was required.
During the year under review:-
178 cases were dealt with by the Social workers;
42 cases were admitted to Mother and Baby Homes;
1 case was temporarily accommodated at Glazier House (not
financially assisted) (The Croydon Home of the Moral
Welfare Association)