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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 1962, reflecting the increase in the
birth-rate. At ante-natal clinics a total of 4, 886 mothers
attended during the year, 3,329 for the first time. 26,960
attendances were recorded. At the post-natal clinic, 1,815
mothers attended for the first time and made a total of 1,823
visits. At relaxation classes 752 mothers made 4,521 attendances.
483 mothers attended 24 Mother craft courses; each of 7 lectures.
Care of Premature Babies.
There were 33 more premature babies born than in 1961, and
18 more died. All those born at home were alive at the end of
one month. Arrangements were made with the Children's Department
of Mayday Hospital for the supervision of premature babies after
discharge from Hospital.
Estimations of haemoglobin are now made at Infant Welfare
Clinics, if the mother prefers to visit a local centre, instead
of returning to hospital. They are referred back should a reading
of less than 60% be found at the Clinic.
For detailed figures see Appendix, page 105.
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:-
219 cases were dealt with by the Social Workers
71 cases were admitted to Mother and Baby Homes