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Associated with it is the Advisory Clinic which caters mainly for the
older woman, but also for the younger woman who is childless and seeks advice.
In the past six years I have seen a steady growth in the popularity of
the clinic, so much so that to cope with the numbers a second clinic will be
opened in Weir Hall.
The ideal times for a Post-Natal examination is the sixth week or the
third month following the birth of the baby. Unfortunately owing to the
large number of confinements this standard cannot be maintained. It is further
complicated by the many women who do not seek advice until a year or two
has elapsed after their confinements. These people of necessity will require
prolonged treatment, and therefore impede the passage of other patients
through the Clinic. The waiting list is very long at present, but it is hoped
that 1948 will see the work extended.
It has been noticeable, that in the case of mothers who ask for the
examination at the proper time, and are found to need treatment, they respond
far more readily and make a quick recovery.
Regarding the types of cases seen, they may be classified thus :—
(1) Displacements of the uterus and to appendages.
(2) Cervical erosions and lacerations.
(3) Deficient Perinii.
(4) Cystocles and rectoceles.
(5) Lax abdominal muscles. The latter may not seem in itself to be of
great importance, but the resultant visceroptosis may lead to chronic
ill health.
(6) Psychological conditions.
Cases which require operative treatment and those making poor progress
are referred to Mr. Dodds, F.R.C.S., who attends fortnightly, and where
necessary he makes the arrangements for operations at the Samaritan Hospital.
We are fortunate in having the laboratory at hand as immediate examination of
troublesome discharges can be undertaken, in many cases giving the lead to
the correct treatment.
Miss Jeans, Organiser of Physical Education, who was approached with
the suggestion of special classes for remedial exercises for slack abdoninal
muscles and uterine displacements has been most helpful in arranging these
classes weekly in different parts of the Borough, namely Oakthorpe School,
Raglan School, and Raynham School, and they are much appreciated and well
attended. Her co-operation has been very valuable."
The Glinic is held twice weekly and the following are the figures for the
year :—
Post-Natal Clinic.
Number of sessions 46
Actual number of mothers who attended 423
Number of consultations 1,475
New cases 362
Total attendances at clinic 1,485
Average attendance per session 30.32
Advisory Clinic.
New Cases 57
Total attendances 96
Number of mothers seen by Doctor 96
Specialist's Clinic. The consulting Specialist made 26 visits during the year
and saw 159 cases, making an average of 6.11 per session.
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