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26
The following are particulars of the premature infants notified
during the year:—
No. of Hackney babies who weighed 5½ lbs. or less at birth—
(a) Born alive 202
(b) Stillborn 15
No. of premature babies born in Hackney—
(a) At home 42 living and none stillborn.
(b) In hospital 254 living and 35 stillborn.
Of the 42 living premature babies born at home 38 were known
to have survived the first month of life, three died within 24 hours
of birth and one died within a month of birth.
Of the 254 living premature babies born in hospital 212 were
known to have survived the first month of life, 22 died within 24
hours of birth, one was removed to another address and could not
be traced, and the balance of 19 died during the period between one
day and one month after birth.
Gynecological Clinic.—In 1939 the Council decided to institute
a Clinic for Diseases of Women at the Maternity and Child Welfare
Centre at Richmond Road. The commencement of this work was
interrupted by the outbreak of war, but the Clinic was started on
2nd April, 1946.
The Gynaecologist appointed to conduct the Clinic has provided
the following statement upon the work done during the nine
months —-
The Women's Clinic commenced in April, 1946, and had but small
attendances in the earlier months. The work has much increased since
t!he l>eginning of the current year. The majority of cases were referred
from the maternity and child welfare centres and by the Health Visitors.
Since greater publicity has been accorded the Clinic large numbers
oif patients have attended of their own accord, and are bringing their
friends.
Medical conditions treated have been improved or cured in the
majority of cases. Surgical cases are referred to hospital for admission
and treatment.
The demand for investigation and treatment of sterility has
increased rapidly. The increasing numbers and the need for investigating
both members of the pair may require additional sessions and an
arrangement with a laboratory or seminologist to investigate husbands.
1 feel that the Clinic is filling a need in the community. Closer
liaison with local practitioners is an objective to be worked for.
ALICE L. WOODHEAD,
M.D., M.R.C.O.G.