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until 1 or 1.30 p.m. In addition to the ante-natal examinations, any
urgent cases from any of the Infant Welfare Centres are seen on
Wednesday forenoon at this Centre, where test feeds, Truby King
methods, etc., are carried out and explained respectively.
People are now learning that it is little short of a crime to allow a
woman to face her confinement without careful ante-natal examination
and re-examination. At a discussion on this subject at the New Cross
Medical Society, the general feeling in favour of ante-natal examination
of expectant women was a strong one, but there was a little hesitation
expressed, as it was felt that if medical men advised ante-natal shepherding,
there might not be wanting those who would take some exception
to this " innovation "; indeed, some might even say there was a pecuniary
side to the suggestion. Grossly unfair, of course, but if people will
flout their advisers they must blame themselves if their wives are carried
off with eclampsia or some other complication. Our midwives are now
making such examinations, and if some abnormal condition is found,
they come with their patient to Dr. Hill at the Centre.
The Tuberculosis Dispensary at Hilary House, 78 Amersham Vale,
is the property of the Borough Council. No dental work is carried
out in the case of patients suffering from tuberculosis. The Ministry
of Health have refused to sanction this expenditure twice during the
last two years. I regret this decision very much, especially as permission
for this expenditure is allowed elsewhere. Dental work for
nursing and expectant women is carried out by Mr. McGraw, surgeon
dentist. An inspection clinic is held every second month, and a
treatmeat clinic similarly. Urgent cases arising in the interim are sent
to the Miller Hospital and Guy's Hospital.