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22
a second clinic per week. Thursday was the day selected and
on this afternoon Dr. Roberts takes charge. Doubtless the
presence of a lady doctor at the Centres has encouraged mothers
to attend in large numbers ; for a like reason, it may be anticipated
ante-natal cases will avail themselves of the opportunity
afforded to a greater extent than has been the case in the past.
It must, however, be noted that ante-natal work up to the
present has been sandwiched in at the ordinary clinics which are
primarily for infants, and owing to lack of time it has only been
possible to see one or two cases in an afternoon. As the women
have shewn keen readiness to come for advice, it is highly
desirable to establish this important branch on a sound basis and
devote to it at least one afternoon a week. Developments in this
direction have been thwarted by pressure of other work, and chiefly
by the increasing demands of the School Medical Service with
consequent lack of time.
The arrangements with chemists for the dispensing of prescriptions,
on terms similar to those under the National Insurance
Act, have been continued.
During the year, 4,921 lbs of Glaxo and 368½ lbs. of Virol were
distributed ; besides these commodities, Extract of Malt and Extract
of Malt with Cod Liver Oil have also been placed on sale at cost
price and have been greatly appreciated by the mothers attending
the clinics.
It may be noted here that the numbers of individual mothers
and children that make use of the Centres have increased, as the
table hereunder shows :—
Mothers
Children
Council House,
Hounslow.
Isleworth
Public Hall.
1919.
199
250
1920.
315
407
1919.
139
162
1920.
170
185
The matter of treatment of dental defects in nursing and
expectant mothers, and provision for the treatment of defective
vision, ringworm, dental defects and minor ailments in children
below the age of 5 years were considered by a special SubCommittee
of the Health Committee, but upon report decision was
deferred.