View report page

It is satisfactory to note that during this year a larger number
of cases attending the Ante-natal Clinic were sent by midwives,
but I would again urge the necessity of midwives taking more
advantage of the Clinic, and bringing their cases for medical
examination and advice, for though many midwives carry out
ante-natal supervision with care and accuracy, conditions may be
present or develop which can only be discovered by medical
examination. The detection and treatment of these conditions
would minimise many dangers and prevent avoidable difficulties
at the confinement, thus safeguarding both mother and child.
Expectant mothers are visited by the Health Visitors in their
homes and given advice regarding arrangements for confinement
and general hygiene of the mother.
The following-up of cases also ensures regular attendance at
the Clinic.
During 1931, 237 visits were paid to expectant mothers.
Maternity Accommodation.
Under the provisions of the Maternity and Child Welfare
Act, 1918, empowering Local Authorities to make arrangements
for the institutional treatment of complicated midwifery cases,
and for women whose homes are unsuitable for their confinement,
the East Ham County Borough Council have arrangements for the