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19
During the year under review Mr. W. S. O'Loughlin, upon
whose services we could call as Obstetric Consultant, resigned, and
in his stead Mr. S. Henderson, M.B., M.C.O.G., M.M.S.A.,
F.R.C.S., was appointed. Mr. Henderson holds the appointment
of Full Time Obstetrician and Gynaecologist to Oldchurch County
Hospital.
At the request of practitioners in the Town, an arrangement
was made with the Essex County Council whereby patients can be
referred by the practitioners to the Consultative Ante-natal Clinic
held at Oldchurch County Hospital, under the supervision of Mr.
S. Henderson. Patients can also be referred to this Clinic by the
Medical Officer at our Ante-natal Clinics. This should prove of
great value, as a full clinical unit, including X-ray plant, is available.
The Romford Council accepts financial responsibility, and
the sums involved will be reclaimed from the persons concerned in
accordance with the Council's scale.
During the year 1938, 653 individual expectant mothers
attended the Clinics, representing 67.5 per cent. of the total notified
births (live and still). In addition 141 mothers attended for postnatal
advice, representing 14.6 per cent. of total notified births.
In all 147 sessions were held during the year. The total number
of attendances of the 794 mothers mentioned above was 2,986
giving an average of 3.8 attendances per patient. The average
number attending at each session was 20.3.
(ii) Infant Welfare Clinics.
This service continues on the same lines as last year.
During 1938, we were informed by the County Medical Officer
that the School Clinic, previously held at the Combined Treatment
Centre, Oldchurch County Hospital, had removed to temporary
premises in another part of the Town. This, in consequence, had
led to a re-arrangement for the Orthopaedic Clinic, as accommodation
was limited at the temporary premises. The County Medical
Officer suggested that the visit of the Orthopaedic Surgeon might
take place at the Romford M. & C.W. Centre in Marks Road. The
Romford Council agreed to the suggestion upon suitable terms being
arranged.
Regarding Dental arrangements, it was felt by the Dental
Practitioners in the Borough that a rota system would be preferable
to that pertaining in the District, whereby the dental work for the
M. & C.W. Clinics had been performed by two practitioners only,
for a number of years. In consequence, it was agreed by the Council
that a yearly rota be compiled from the Dentists, and this commenced
on April 1st with the appointment of Mr. N. S. Farnes,
L.D.S., the dental work being carried out at his own surgery.