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142
POST-NATAL CLINIC.
On discharge from the Maternity Home every patient is
given an appointment for an examination at the Post-Natal Clinic
six weeks from the date of confinement. This Clinic has been
held weekly since the appointment of the Resident Medical Officer
in April.
The majority of patients were discharged with health unimpaired.
Where there is disability suitable treatment is given.
An attempt is made to follow up any case where health is
seriously impaired as a result of confinement, e.g., pregnancy
rtoxaemia, or chronic nephritis, etc.
Number of sessions held 39
Number of patients who attended—
(a) New cases 256
(b) Old cases 210
Total attendances 466
Average attendance per session ... 12.2
GAS-AIR ANALGESIA.
The clinical report would not be complete without mention
•of the Minnitt Gas-Air apparatus which has been in use at the
Home during the past year. This apparatus has been designed
for self-administration by the patient of gas mixed with air for
the relief of pain during labour.
Every healthy patient, if she chooses, may administer the
-mixture to herself at a time which is considered suitable by the
doctor or midwife in charge of her case. When the patient has
"been given a few simple instructions it is usually found that she
can administer enough gas and air to herself to provide at least
some relief from her pain; in a great number of cases quite
definite relief from pain results.
A certain number of patients, however, refuse to take the
gas, but with an experienced doctor or midwife in charge of the
"apparatus the timidity can usually be overcome so that the gas
ns taken with confidence and lessening of pain occurs.
There is no doubt that the use of the apparatus has done
-much to ease and lessen the strain and suffering of women in
labour.