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27
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 215
(b) Still-born 18
No. of premature babies born in Hackney—
(а) At home 41 living and 4 still-born.
(b) In hospital 274 living and 37 still-born.
Of the 41 living premature babies born at home 37 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 274 living premature babies born in hospital 242 were
known to have survived the first month of life, 23 died within 24
hours of birth, and the balance of 9 died during the period between
one day and one month after birth.
Gynaecological Clinic.—The records of the first whole year's
work at this clinic emphasises three salient points.
Firstly, the steady increase in the number of new patients. In
spite of the great difficulty in finding time to attend, the numbers
have risen from 67 in the first nine months to 184, which is in itself
surprising. It indicates the great need for a health service, run by
women for women.
Secondly, a most striking feature is the increase in nongynaecological
cases, from 17 to 33. Although the aim is to restrict
patients to those with some gynaecological problem, it does mean
that by a process of elimination, patients are directed to suitable
doctors or clinics, and so are relieved or cured of their symptoms,
being thus better able to make their contribution to the welfare
and happiness of their families, and that of the community.
Lastly, many other cases which present themselves are in the
nature of relatively minor ailments which in the ordinary way
would be endured, as treatment from a doctor at his home is either
too costly or impracticable. This clinic's most valuable asset to
the community is in the service it gives to the housewife and mother
who, without help, is not able to give of her best, owing to some
incapacitating condition which is readily amenable to treatment.