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Here, as with the national figures, the reduction in maternal deaths is shown to be due largely to
the prevention of deaths from septic infection, and much of the credit for this must go to recent advances
in prevention and treatment. Improved ante-natal and obstetric care have played their part in the overall
reduction and must continue the fight against deaths from causes other than sepsis.
GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
Laboratory Service.—Certain routine bacteriological work is done in the laboratory at the Health
Department. When more detailed investigation is required specimens are sent to the Clinical Research
Association, the Camberwell Research Laboratory or the Public Health Laboratory Service. The number
of specimens examined during 1948 was 310.
Ambulance Service.—The service provided by the Council was available throughout the 24 hours
and the vehicles (2 ambulances, 1 car) were housed at the Ambulance Station in Montague Road.
Up to 4th July when the service was transferred to Middlesex County Council the number of journeys
made was 3,233 (269 accident, 2,964 other).
Home Nursing.—Up to 4th July the Borough was served by the Heston and Isleworth District
Nursing Association whose nurses made 12,948 visits during that portion of the year.
Infant Welfare Centres.—Sessions were held at Hounslow and Isleworth Health Centres, Heston
Village Hall and Cranford Memorial Hall. Twelve sessions were held each week and a doctor was present
at each session. The work was almost wholly of an advisory nature in regard to the rearing and nurture
of infants and young children. When further treatment was required the children were referred to private
Dractitioners. hospitals, etc. At the centres mothers can purchase certain dried milks and vitamin nrenar-

The total of attendances for the half year was 16,423 as compared with 32,629 in 1947. Each session
is of 2½ hours and apart from any consideration of mothercraft or other talks, demonstrations, etc., to
mothers, the numbers attending should permit of reasonable attention to the individual child by nurses
and doctors. On this basis the Hounslow sessions continue to be the heaviest. Restrictions of space limit
the number of nurses who can be usefully employed at any session.
Ante-natal and Post-natal Clinics.—An additional session at Heston was started on 1.4.48.
Patients are referred to the clinic by midwives, doctors and West Middlesex Hospital and where special
treatment is required arrangements are made with the appropriate doctor, clinic or hospital. The attendances
for post-natal examination have never been satisfactory, but some improvement is taking place.
All post-natal patients are seen by the consultant obstetrician. More women are seeking advice on sterility
and family spacing and arrangements are made for the necessary investigation or they are referred to the

The falling birth rate and the additional Heston sessions have eased the strain on the Hounslow
sessions so as to permit reasonable attention to be given to patients.
During the half year 917 coupon equivalent certificates for sheets were issued at the ante-natal
clinic to expectant mothers.
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