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72
provided to meet the needs of every area. Wherever practicable
accommodation should be provided in association with the general
hospitals.
The question of the provision of maternity accommodation
is referred to elsewhere.
5. Arrangements should be made for:—
(a) Adequate domiciliary visiting by health visitors of expectant
mothers with a view to encouraging them to engage an
attendant for the confinement and place themselves under
ante-natal supervision at an early stage of pregnancy.
Last year the health visitors paid 1,114 visits to 700
expectant mothers.
(b) The provision of ante-natal clinics in every district in which
the number of expectant mothers justifies it. In sparsely
populated areas other arrangements should be made for
efficient domiciliary ante-natal supervision.
Ante-natal clinics are provided wherever they are
necessary if premises can be obtained. The Council
maintains ten weekly and one fortnightly ante-natal
clinics. In 1937 55.5 per cent. of expectant mothers
attended the local clinics and 4.7 per cent. received
supervision under the general practitioner ante-natal
scheme.
(c) The establishment of consultative ante-natal clinics to
serve every area.
A central consultative ante-natal clinic is held here.
Held at first monthly, the increasing attendances have
necessitated a fortnightly session. Authority was given
for the summoning of the consultant to ante-natal
cases at their own homes in exceptional circumstances.
6. Satisfactory arrangements for the accommodation and
treatment of patients suffering from puerperal sepsis and from
abortion are essential.
Provision for abortion cases is made by the County Council.
7. The development of post-natal services including the
establishment of clinics and arrangements for in-patient treatment
is a matter of urgent necessity.
Post-natal cases are advised at the ordinary and at the
consultative ante-natal clinics; while a special clinic is
held for the advice of those women in whom further
pregnancy would be detrimental to their health. The
demand as yet does not warrant the holding of a separate
post-natal clinic which should preferably be staffed by a
consultant.