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4 in 1926. This is very satisfactory, but a fall of about
40 per cent, in attendance must be anticipated, since an
Ante-Natal Clinic was established at the end of the year by
the Guardians for those expectant mothers who have booked
their confinements at the Kingston & District Hospital.
Hitherto, many of these expectant mothers have
attended your Ante-Natal Clinic.
Support from midwives engaged in private practice is
still disappointing, but the midwives from the Kingston
Nursing Association continue to bring expectant mothers.
Dr. Winifred Warner is the presiding Medical Officer
under the direction of the Medical Officer of Health.
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. 18, Richmond Park
Road. 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 &
District Hospital or other Maternity Home, returning after
the puerperium with the infant to the "Shelter" tor a
further period of residence until the infant is three months
old.
The infant is then placed with a foster mother, and the
parent is found a suitable situation in domestic service.
PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
During the year 8 cases were notified as Puerperal
Pyrexia under the Public Health (Notification of Puerperal
Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia) Regulations, 1926.
Immediate investigation was made into the circumstances
of each case, and a copy of the notification sent to
the County Medical Officer of Health.
The consultant, Dr. Andrew McAllister, was not summoned
during the year.