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It is interesting to note that in a recent publication of the Ministry
of Health, "Human Relations in Obstetrics," which covered the
general running of the maternity services, specific reference was
made to possible delays to patients in attending ante-natal clinics and
to the facilities available for dealing with health education by individual
advice and group teaching. So far as the ante-natal clinics
are concerned, as I mentioned in the previous paragraph, they are
run on an appointments system, thereby avoiding as far as possible
any delay to patients, and the classes held for expectant mothers provide
an ideal opportunity for dealing with any individual queries and
advising them on any points regarding their forthcoming confinement.

NEO-NATAL MORTALITY
The neo-natal mortality is the number of infants dying under one
month per 1,000 live births. During 1960, 13 infants died in the first
four weeks of life, a rate of 161.
CARE OF PREMATURE INFANTS
During 1960, 38 premature infants were born to residents in the
Borough, 8 of these births taking place at home and 30 in hospital or
nursing home. 5 of the 8 born at home were alive at the end of one
month; 21 of the 30 born in hospital or private nursing home
survived.
CHILD WELFARE CENTRES
Attendances at the Child Welfare Clinics again show a slight fall
during the year. This decrease follows a national trend.
The seven centres are held in hired premises, some of them old
buildings. Every attempt is being made to find a suitable site upon
which to erect a modern building. The South Woodford Centre
formerly held in Holy Trinity Church Hall was transferred to more
satisfactory premises at the Baptist Church Hall, George Lane. This
transfer has resulted in increased attendance.
The number of mothers consulting the medical officers at the clinics
is falling, and in some cases the doctor is now attending only alternate
sessions. This follows the general trend since the introduction of the
National Health Service, the function of the Child Welfare Clinic
changing more to one of health education. The Health Visitors devote
considerable time to giving short talks to small groups of mothers,
often illustrated by film strips, on child care.
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