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86
CLINICS.
Dr. Sheppard reports as follows:—
"During 1934 Thorpe Coombe Maternity Home opened and
consequently for a time there was a diminution in the average
number of attendances at the Council's Ante-Natal Clinic in Markhouse
Road. The total number of attendances for the year was,
however, 1,188 as compared with 1,287 during 1933.
"The routine at the Ante-Natal Clinic has not been altered
during the year as it has been found to work admirably. When
first seen each patient is given a thorough general medical examination
as well as a special examination dealing with her pregnancy.
A letter is then sent to the doctor or midwife engaged by the patient
and a further note is sent about the 36th week. Should any interim
complications arise the doctor or midwife is notified.
"Midwives accompanying their patients to the Clinic are
always cordially welcomed.
"The year 1934 saw the opening of the Tuesday morning
Clinic. This is an extremely useful Clinic and it has greatly
facilitated the work on Monday afternoons. At this Clinic a Health
Visitor takes, as far as possible, the histories of all new cases, tests
urine, and takes blood pressures, etc.
"Home Helps are supplied in suitable eases and Maternity
Outfits at 3s. and 6s. each can be obtained for weekly payments,
or free in necessitous cases. Patterns and knitting instructions for
babies' garments can also be obtained at the Centre.
"Unfortunately, one is compelled to record that the incidence
of rickets among our babies is still rather high. The work of the
Orthopaedic Clinic is an index in this respect. During the past
year four additional clinics have been established to cope with the
increased attendances mainly of children under' five years. When
considering this regrettable fact one's thoughts naturally turn to
the nutrition of the expectant and nursing mother. The Council
supplies milk, but one wonders whether a dining centre for
mothers would not be a help as it is doubtful if the milk supplied
is taken by the mother herself where there is a family of little ones,
whereas in the case of the dinner there would be supervision.
Miss Keenan, the Superintendent Health Visitor, has supplied me
with the following observations on the subject:—