London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Walthamstow 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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67
CARE OF MOTHERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
(Section 22)
ANTE-NATAL AND POST-NATAL SERVICES
The following table summarises the attendances at the Clinics held:—
| New Patients— | Ante-Natal | Post-Natal |
|---|---|---|
| Thorpe Coombe Maternity Hospital | 1,309 | 803 |
| Low Hall Lane Clinic | 28 | 10 |
| Silverdale Road Clinic | 23 | 25 |
| West Avenue Clinic | 11 | 7 |
| District Nurses Training Home and Midwives' Homes | 289 | — |
| Totals | 1,660 | 845 |
| Total Attendances— | Ante-Natal | Post-Natal |
| Thorpe Coombe Maternity Hospital | 11,799 | 1,030 |
| Low Hall Lane Clinic | 237 | 27 |
| Silverdale Road Clinic | 122 | 32 |
| West Avenue Clinic | 74 | 11 |
| District Nurses' Training Home and Midwives' Homes | 3,249 | — |
| Totals | 15,481 | 1,100 |
Blood grouping/haemoglobin estimation and Rhesus and Kahn
tests were carried out for all patients attending ante-natal clinics,
except when interim ante-natal care is carried out on behalf of
maternity hospitals.
All Rhesus negative results were verified at a second laboratory
and repeated at the 20th and 34th weeks of pregnancy. Facilities
were also available at Thorpe Coombe Maternity Hospital on Sunday
mornings (by courtesy of Miss Rodway, F.R.C.O.G., Consultant
Obstetrician) for Rhesus tests to be carried out on the husbands of
Rhesus negative women, i.e., when they were unable to attend at the
ordinary weekly clinic.
All Rhesus negative expectant mothers attending ante-natal
clinics were and are advised to have their confinements in
hospital. Blood pressure estimations were done at every examination,
in order to obtain warning of possible toxaemia.
Midwives in domiciliary practice may in extreme urgency,
and when unable to obtain immediate medical aid, summon
the Obstetric Flying Squad direct. Except in doctors' booked