London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Richmond upon Thames 1972

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond upon Thames]

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CARE OF MOTHERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Clinics

Sessions held in local authority clinics294
Antenatal Care :
Number of women who attended205
Attendances1,026
Post-Natal Care:
Number of women who attended28
Attendances54

Ante-natal relaxation and post-natal exercises are taught in all the clinics. 588
women made 2,896 attendances at these clinics during the year.
Incidence of Congenital Malformations
Since 1st January, 1964 the Ministry of Health (now the Department of Health
and Social Security) have required all congenital malformations in new-born babies to
be notified by Local Health Authorities to the Registrar General, so as to enable the
latter to complete statistical information from which to detect any national or regional
changes in the pattern of congenital malformations.
The number of babies born with defects during 1972 was 30.
Family Planning
Clinic Service.
From the 1st April, 1972, the Council extended its family planning service to include
the provision of free advice to all women, in addition to the free consultation and advice
to those in medical or social need which was already available. During the whole year,
the Council met the cost of advice and supplies for 1,156 women, and in the nine months
from April to December the consultation only fee was paid in respect of 5,130 women.
The Family Planning Association, acting as the Council's agents, provided the
service for the majority of these women; a few residents were seen at Brook Advisory
Centres.
Domiciliary Service.
In accordance with the Councils scheme, 32 cases were referred to the Family
Planning Association for home visits up to the end of the year.
Youth Counselling Service.
In 1972 there was a major change of staff. Dr. Faith Spicer, medical consultant, left
in October, having initiated the project in 1969. It was sad to see her go but she has left
the clinic with a clear identity of its own, a clinic that not only provides a contraceptive
service but can offer advice and counselling for young people with difficulty in other areas
of their lives. Dr. Robina Thexton kindly took over the medical role until Dr. Alfred
Model, especially experienced in the problems of young people, joined the staff at the end
of the year. The receptionist also had to leave at the end of the year due to illness.
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