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Since the appointed day, the 5th July, 1948, when this Act came into force
only 18 health centres (Ministry of Health, 1963 Report) have been provided in
England and Wales, and there is at present no health centre in the Borough of
Enfield.
At the instigation of the Council of the Borough of Edmonton, the Local
Medical Committee ascertained that general practitioners in the area were in favour
of health centres.
A site for a proposed health centre was envisaged in Hertford Road, where
an existing inadequate and unsatisfactory welfare clinic was to be replaced, and six
of the general practitioners in that area expressed interest in the project.
At this stage the project was inherited by the new London Borough of Enfield
and proceeded with in an equally enthusiastic way. The Council, the six general
practitioners (one of whom intends to take a partner), and the interested professional
bodies have reached agreement in principle. Planning and costing of the premises
are at an advanced stage.
It will be seen in the Ten-Year Plan that a further two health centres are
proposed.
(Statistical Table 29—see page 124).
CARE OF MOTHERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Under Section 22 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, it is the duty
of every local health authority to make arrangements for the care, including in
particular dental care, of expectant and nursing mothers and of children who have
not attained the age of five years and are not attending primary schools maintained
by a local education authority.
Ante-natal and Post-natal Sessions:—A total of 1,063 women attended the
ante-natal clinics during the year and 481 attended for a post-natal examination.
Many women attend their family doctor or hospital for their post-natal examination.
Mothercraft and relaxation classes for expectant mothers, held in clinics
throughout the Borough, were attended by 809 women. These classes, held by
the health visitors, and consisting of 4—6 sessions, are extremely popular. There is an
increasing demand by women for ante-natal education and training in preparation
for labour, particularly in relation to the control of posture and breathing.
Expectant fathers were invited to attend the last session, when a film of a
confinement was shown.
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