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The demand for beds for hospital confinements remained
greater than could be accommodated at Oldchurch Hospital and
priority is given to cases with medical or obstetric indications and
to cases where the home conditions were unsuitable for a confinement.
The Local Authority Nursing Staff continued to undertake
the assessment of social conditions of patients seeking admission
to Hospital.
Home Confinements. 797 mothers were confined at home
during the year, of whom 755 received ante-natal care from General
Medical Practitioners and District Midwives. 120 expectant
mothers, compared with 167 in 1961, attended our ante-natal
clinics, of whom 42 were confined at home.
Ante-Natal Instruction Classes. The classes for expectant
mothers in Mothercraft and Relaxation held by the Health Visitors
continued in four centres throughout the year, and an additional
class was commenced at the Surgery of one of the Group
Medical Practices in the town to which a member of the Health
Visiting staff has been attached.
Post-natal Care. Of the 120 mothers who attended the antenatal
clinics, 63 returned for post-natal examination.
Midwifery. During 1962, the full establishment of 14 District
Midwives was maintained, and the arrangement whereby a Salvation
Army Midwife from the Mothers' Hospital, Clapton, provides
a service in the Rush Green area continued.
Analgesia. 81.6 per cent, of the women who are confined at
home received inhalation analgesia during labour, and 54.2 per
cent. received injections of pethidine. Some, of course, received
both analgesia and injections.
Clinic Premises
Plans for the extension of Marks Road Clinic were nearing
completion at the end of 1962. The extensions will provide accommodation
for the Chiropodist and Speech Therapist, at present
housed in a temporary annexe in Mawney Lane, proper accommodation
for Mothercraft and Relaxation Classes, and improved dark
room and recovery room facilities for the Dental Clinic. In addition,
an office for the clinic clerk, a larger room for the Health Visitors
and improved toilet facilities both for patients and staff will result.
Extensions to Hulse Avenue Clinic in the form of a new Dental
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