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this by circulating pamphlets through the medium of the Infant Welfare
Centres for the information of the parents at home, otherwise in a workingclass
district such as this it will be very difficult to get hold of the fathers.
We have further increased our Ante-Natal Service, and the scheme of
co-operation with the North Middlesex County Hospital (whereby mothers
who intend to enter that Institution for their confinements can continue their
Ante-Natal supervision in the Council's Clinics) has proved a great success.
A Post-Natal Clinic has been established and, judging by the initial
numbers, it appears likely to amply justify its existence.
In both the Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Sessions the mothers are taking
a greater and more lively interest in the work done, and this is indicated by
the increased number of attendances made by each mother. We must,
however, continue this good work to a greater extent and to more real
perfection.
The Consultant Service is now fully established, and not only do we
find it of great benefit to the mothers attending our Clinics, but some of the
general practitioners have also used it with good results. This Service has
fully justified all the confidence placed in its establishment.
The continuity of the Service throughout the holiday period is much
appreciated by the mothers, and the attendances showed no decrease from
that of ordinary periods during the year.
The Nurses formerly employed for Education purposes only and now
partly employed in Health Visiting, appreciate the Service very much, and
we are of the opinion that the amalgamation will in time prove of great benefit
to the children. Smaller districts have not yet been allocated to the Nurses,
but it is hoped that these will be established in the near future, thereby
giving more time to the Health Visitor to do her area thoroughly, with
shorter distance to travel.
On the 1st October, 1937, the first Midwives under the Midwives Act,
1936, took up their duties for the Council. Judging by the bookings and the
results achieved, this Service shows indications of a very bright future.
Some apprehension was at first experienced in this Service as it was something
entirely new, but the work taken in hand and its accomplishment has
justified its existence, and I think great credit is due to the Midwives employed
by our Authority.
The following information gives details of the Maternity and Child
Welfare Clinics at the end of 1937:—
(1) Ante-Natal Clinic at Brookfield House, Fore Street (adjoining
the Town Hall). Three sessions weekly.
(2) Child Welfare:-
(a) At Brookfield House. Five sessions weekly.
(b) At St. Stephen's Church Hall, Bush Hill Park. One
session weekly.
(c) At St. Alphege Church Hall, Tramway Avenue. Two
sessions weekly.
(d) At St. John's Church Hall, Dysons Road. One session
weekly.
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