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marked under-nourishment were observed in only eight new
cases. Better education of the parents and provision of free
milk and cod liver oil in necessitous cases have contributed to
this end. Assistance through the Invalid Children's Aid
Association in getting children away to Convalescent Homes
has benefited a number of these children and has cured others
who were debilitated after acute illnesses.
Another encouraging factor is the increased number of
breast-fed babies. Seventy per cent. of the infants were
entirely or partly breast-fed. The provision of free milk for
the mothers was of the greatest value in this respect.
Ante-natal Clinic.
For many years the Ante-natal Clinic was held at Wandle
Park House on the second and fourth Thursday in the month.
Towards the end of 1937 it was found necessary to hold a
weekly session of this Clinic. Throughout the year the
average attendance was 20.80 per session, as compared with
18.56 in 1937. It was felt that these numbers were too large
for the patients to be adequately dealt with by the medical
officer and on 7th November, 1938, an additional Ante-natal
Clinic was established at the Health Centre, Pelham Road.
This Clinic is held on Monday afternoons from 2 to 4.30. The
average attendance to 31st December was 10.66.
The total number of expectant mothers who attended the
Corporation's Ante-natal Clinics in 1938 was three hundred
and twenty-seven. This figure is equal to 45.9 per cent. of
the total number of live births and still-births notified. The
percentage in 1937 was 27.60.
This gratifying increase in the attendances has fully
justified the extension of the Corporation's Ante-natal Services.
Miss Jocelyn Moore, F.R.C.S., M.C.O.G., was in charge of
both these Clinics.
Complicated cases of pregnancy are referred to the
Maternity Department of the Nelson Hospital for X-ray
examination or other investigations. Where necessary these
patients are admitted for treatment.
Women attending the Ante-natal Clinic for post-natal
examinations are referred, should the circumstances require,
to the South London Hospital for Women for treatment.
Every encouragement is given for midwives to attend the
Ante-natal Clinic with their patients.
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