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Ante-Natal Clinic.

There were in addition 12 Post-Natal Cases, as against 31 in 1934.
Dr. Wrigley's report is as follows:—
"ANTE-NATAL SERVICES, 1935.
The feature of the year's work, in spite of a most serious set-back, about which
reference will be made later, is the further large increase in the number of patients who made
use of the Clinic, and the huge increase in the number of attendances.
Toward the end of 1934, the numbers presenting themselves for examination became
so great that the work was of necessity hurried, and this was least of all to be desired in that
branch of medicine, known as Pre-Natal Care. The Maternity and Child Welfare Committee
kindly allowed the employment of an Assistant Medical Officer, and at once a great
improvement was noticed. However, within a few weeks the numbers rose so rapidly, that
even with additional help, no time could be wasted. Relief, in a sense not to be desired,
came with the disastrous fire at Clipstone House, and it was many weeks before patients
became thoroughly acquainted with the fact that bi-weekly Clinics are now held at Busch
House. This site is not perfect, and it involves a long and tedious journey from the Heston
end of the borough. Further, the accommodation is far from satisfactory, but there are
prospects of better times ahead.
The previous routine of the work was followed exactly with the exception that more
extensive use has been made of the excellent Maternity and X-Ray Department at the West
Middlesex Hospital, adjacent to Busch House. The Authorities of this institution have
rendered every help, and their co-operation is greatly appreciated. Cases of Toxaemia of
Pregnancy requiring in-patient treatment, cases of malposition of the foetus requiring Correction
under anaesthesia, etc., etc., have been directed down the road with the result that
much probable illness and trouble have been avoided.
Co-operation has also increased enormously between the Clinic and Midwives, who
practise in the borough. No fewer than 150 attendances were made by these women, and on
many occasions the midwife had arranged that four or five of her cases should be present
and examined at the one session in her presence. It can now be said that every midwife in
the district, with two exceptions, makes a full use of the Services.
It seems not unlikely that in the near future nearly a hundred per cent, of the
"Mothers" in the Borough will be under the care of the Municipal Ante-Natal and PostNatal
Services.
A. J. WRIGLEY, m.d., f.r.c.s.
Last year I reported the result of a broadcast for a patient with carinoma of the cervix.
I have seen her recently and she is in tip-top health. Owing to her husband's unemployment
she has been working hard, and it is now over two years since her operation. She has been
examined by the Specialist, who has reported "All well."
Again to the B.B.C. I tender my most grateful thanks.
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
There is now available for every pregnant woman in the area:—
(a) An Ante-Natal Specialist,
(b) An Obstetric Specialist in case of difficulty at the confinement,
(c) A Specialist in case of Puerperal Fever,
(d) Beds provided at Queen Charlotte's Hospital, in case further treatment is required,
(e) Sterilized maternity outfits for very poor mothers confined at home.
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