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

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Beddington and Wallington 1937

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]

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The District Nursing Association midwives continue to perform
yeoman service, their work being materially increased in 1937 as the
result of the operations of the Midwives Act, 1936.
In spite, however, of the excellent home midwifery service thus
provided in the Borough, the further growth of small houses, flats and
blocks of flats increases the difficulty of carrying out good midwifery
in the home. This results in an ever-increasing demand for institutional
deliveries.
We have been assured by the Surrey County Council and the
Minister of Health that the number of beds to be provided at the new
St. Helier Hospital will meet this need in 1940 (December).
If, however, it can be shown that the need is not satisfied, the
Council may contemplate further provision of maternity beds for
Beddington and Wallington in some manner to be approved by the
Minister of Health.
ANTE-NATAL CLINIC.
Ante-natal Clinics are held weekly (since 1st October, 1937) with
an average attendance of about 21 pregnant women. The Clinic is
housed in the Nurses' Home, Montagu Gardens, where very good
accommodation is rented by the Council from the District Nursing
Association.

Ante-natal and Post-natal Attendances, 1937.

Council Cases.Nursing Association Cases.Total.
No. of clinics held41
Total number of women who attended during the year200
No. of first attendances, ante-natal8180161
No. of re-attendances:—
Ante-natal296347643
Post-natal175572
No. of consultations with Medical Officer394482876
Average attendance per session21.4