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20
Notification of Births.
Owing to the large number of unnotified Births during
1921, a letter, embodying an Extract of the Act,, asking for
an explanation of failure to notify the birth, has been sent
to the father of the child in every instance since May, 1922.
The result of this procedure is most gratifying, since
unnotified births have become exceedingly rare.
Ante-Natal Clinic.
The Ante-Natal Clinic was established in December,
1925, at the School Clinic, " Elmfield," London Road, which
is situated in the geographical centre of the Borough.
The Dental Waiting-room and Operating-room, which
are large and suitable, will be used for the purpose temporarily.
Dr. Winifred Warner was approved as presiding
Medical Officer, under the direction of the Medical Officer
of Health,, and seeing that she also carries out the work at
the Maternity and Child Welfare Centres, continuity of
observation is maintained.
The Clinic was held on the first Tuesday in each month
at 10 a.m., and during the year 29 expectant mothers attended,
10 of them making more than one visit to the Clinic.
This attendance must be considered as quite satisfactory
for the first year.
Support from the midwives practising in the Borough
has been disappointing, but I feel sure that in time they will
realize the advantage and benefit of recommending their
patients to attend the Clinic.
The Unmarried Mother.
The care of unmarried mothers and their illegitimate
children is undertaken by the Kingston, Surbiton and District
Voluntary Society, which is affiliated to the Southwark
Diocesan Association for Rescue and Preventive Work.
The Local Branch Shelter is at No. 45, Fairfield South.
Unmarried expectant mothers are admitted to the home
about two or three months before full term, or later if
desired.
If possible they contribute towards their own support,
and assist by doing domestic work while in the home.
They are transferred for confinement to the Kingston
and District Hospital or other Maternity Home, returning
after the puerperium with the infant to the " Shelter " for