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17
ANTE-NATAL CLINIC.
The Ante-Natal Clinic was held on the first Tuesday in
each month at the School Clinic, which was moved from
" Elmfield " to temporary accommodation at the new building
at Bonner Hill Road in January.
It was considered advisable to hold an additional
session per month, and approval having been obtained, this
was commenced in December on the third Tuesday morning.
During the year, 81 expectant mothers attended, making
159 visits to the Clinic, which is an average attendance
of over 12 per session.
It was thought that there would be a large fall in
attendance owing to the establishment of an Ante-Natal
Clinic at the Kingston and District Hospital for those
expectant mothers who had booked to enter there for confinements,
but though the figures are not quite so high as
last year, there were indications during the latter months
that the popularity of the Ante-Natal Clinic is on the increase.
The Kingston Nursing Association continue to support
the Clinic by sending their cases, but private midwives seldom
urge their patients to attend.
Dr. Winifred Warner was presiding Medical Officer up
to the time of her death in September.
Dr. Ruth Townshend was appointed to fill the vacancy
and took up her duties in December.
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
and District Hospital or other Maternity Home, returning
after the puerperium with the infant to the " Shelter " for
a further period of residence until the infant is three months
old.