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month. The average attendance in 1937 was 18.56 per session
as compared with 12.82 in 1936.
The number of expectant mothers who attended the Antenatal
Clinic in 1937 was one hundred and sixty-seven, equal
to 27.60 per cent. of the total number of live births and stillbirths
notified. The percentage in 1936 was 18.95.
This gratifying increase in the attendances fully justified
the establishment of weekly sessions of the Clinic and these
were commenced towards the end of the year.
Owing to the general increase in the work of the public
health services, the Council made arrangements for the Antenatal
Clinic to be conducted in 1938 by an obstetrician and
Dr. Jocelyn Moore, F.R.C.S., M.C.O.G., was appointed for this
purpose. This will enable women attending the Post-natal
Clinic to be referred when necessary to the South London
Hospital for Women for treatment.
It should be noted that in addition to the mothers who
attended the Corporation's Ante-natal Clinic a considerable
number attended the Ante-natal Clinics at the Nelson and
Kingston County Hospitals, where two hundred and thirty-five
women living in the Borough of Wimbledon were admitted for
their confinements.
During 1934, the Corporation made arrangements whereby
midwives are compensated for the loss of their patients
when these are referred to hospital for their confinements
after attendance at the Ante-natal Clinic. The rate of compensation
paid to the midwives is ten shillings per case.
Lectures for Mothers.
Classes for mothers are held at both of the Centres. Home
nursing, mothercraft, hygiene, and singing, are taught. The
average attendance of mothers at the Pelham Centre was
25.72, and at the Wandle Park Centre 13.78.
Midwifery and Maternity Services—Midwives Act, 1936.
The Midwives Act, 1936, came into operation on 30th
July, 1937. As stated in last year's Report the Council
decided to enter into an agreement with the Wimbledon
District Nursing and Midwifery Association for the provision
of a service of whole-time domiciliary midwives. Three
midwives were appointed at the commencement, provision
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