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42.
Necessary dental treatment for mothers and children
attending the centres has been carried out by the Committee's
own dentist, Mr. W. E. Dodd, at Greyhound
Road Centre. The number of women who had dental
attention during 1929 was 147, and the number of
children 81. Twenty-nine women were provided with
dentures.
The Ante-Natal Clinics.
The purpose of the Ante-Natal Clinics is to secure
that the expectant mother shall pass through her pregnancy
in health and comfort, and shall be in a fit state
to meet the strain of her confinement; also, to exert an
oversight over the pregnancy itself, so that, as far as
possible, no unforeseen risks shall have to be faced at
the time of the labour.
When home visitation is considered desirable, the
Health Visitors follow up cases in their homes, to see
that instructions given at the Clinics are carried into
effect, and to give help and advice in reference to preparations
for the confinement. Such treatment as is required
during the pregnancy, and is outside the scope of the
Clinics, is arranged for. Close co-operation is maintained
between the Clinic Staff and the doctor or midwife
who is to attend the confinement, and with whom the
Clinic doctor communicates by letter, when necessary.
All cases that are booked to enter the Council's
Maternity Home are required to attend at the Ante-Natal
Clinics; and in this connection it is of interest to mention
that the Matron and Assistant Matron of the Maternity
Home attend alternately at most of the Clinics, so that,
in most cases, the expectant mothers become acquainted
with those who will deal with them at the time of their
confinements and find themselves amongst friends when
the\ enter the Council's Maternity Home.
There are three Ante-Natal Clinics each week, one
conducted by Dr. Leverkus at Wandsworth Bridge Road
and two conducted by myself at Greyhound Road.