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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 held at the Surgery of one of the Group Medical Practices in
the town to which a member of the Health Visiting staff is attached.
Ante-Natal Care. As all expectant mothers are now advised to
book a General Medical Practitioner for Maternity Medical Services,
attendances at the Ante-natal Clinics have gradually declined and
these clinics were discontinued during the year. Many general
practitioners hold regular Ante-natal Clinic Sessions in their own
premises and at a number of these sessions Midwives employed by
the Health Department are also in attendance thus ensuring close
co-operation between Doctor and Midwife.
Midwifery. During 1963 the full establishment of 15 District
Midwives was maintained, and the arrangement whereby a Salvation
Army Midwife from the Mother's Hospital. Clapton, provides a
service in the Rush Green area continued.
Analgesia. 83.8 per cent. of the women who are confined at
home received inhalation analgesia during labour, and 49.9 per
cent. 'eceived injections of pethidine. Some, of course, received
both analgesia and injections.
Clinic Premises. Work commenced on the extensions to Marks
Road Clinic in the Autumn of 1963. This caused considerable
difficulties in the functioning of the Clinic, but despite this attendances
remained high. The staff employed at the Clinic have had to
carry on under very trying conditions, with various portions of the
building being demolished and rebuilt section by section. These
extensions however, will ultimately result in the Clinic being able
to function much more efficiently, and with improved facilities.
Infant Welfare
Attendances at the Child Welfare Clinics are given below with
those of 1962 for purposes of comparison:—
1963 1962
No. of children born in 1963 who attended 1,444 1,392
Total number of children who attended ... 4,200 4,194
Total Attendances 21,874 22,773
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