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84
in cases where consultation with a specialist in obstetric knowledge
is necessary.
The organisation of the Examination Clinic or clinic for
routine examination is very clearly set out. There only remains
to draw attention to the most important point referred to, viz.,
that it is not advisable to hold such clinics on hospitals' premises
and that such clinics should be easily accessible.
The selection of the personnel is of the greatest importance.
The Medical Officer, it is stated, whether whole or part time,
should be trained and experienced both in obstetrics and antenatal
work, and should preferably have held a resident appointment
in a Maternity Hospital with experience at its ante-natal
clinic. Failing this, at least three months' post-graduate instruction
at a recognised school should be required if the Medical Officer
has had no recent obstetrical experience. Obstetrical experience
in general practice is extremely valuable, but should be supplemented
by post-graduate training or experience in ante-natal work.
The nurse to assist the Medical Officer should be a midwife
with post-certificate experience in obstetrics and ante-natal work.
The importance of careful record keeping and for the proper
interchange of information is stressed as well as the necessity for
co-operation with hospitals.
Subsidiary activities of the clinics are also referred to and
mention is made of the supply of sterilised maternity outfits for
labour, at cheap rates, also the supply at wholesale prices of suitable
antiseptics to midwives. In necessitous cases the provision
of food and milk is stated may be desirable.
The scope of ante-natal examinations, including their extent
and frequency , is set out, and here 1 should like to emphasise the
statement in the Memorandum that, generally speaking, treatment
of abnormal conditions is not the work of an ante-natal clinic. Any
cases requiring treatment beyond simple measures should be
referred wherever possible to the family doctor or to a consulting
clinic or a hospital. Tt is evident that the clinic is to be a clearing
house and an educational establishment.
Reference is also made to the need for the distribution to
patients attending the clinic of an "Advice Leaflet." I have
accordingly prepared some practical notes relating to personal
hygiene, clothing and feeding, etc., which I purpose bringing into
use at once at the existing Municipal Ante-Natal Clinic.
The final words of the Memorandum which draw attention to
the importance of co-operation between the clinic and the professional
attendant as well as the accurate keeping of records are
of considerable interest.
Existing Ante-Natal Care Facilities in Camberwell.
There are at present three Ante-Natal Clinics in the Borough
in association with Tnfant Welfare Centres, namely, Camberwell