HOSPITAL MATERNITY HOME

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3818, 14 July 1928, Page 2

HOSPITAL MATERNITY HOME

THE FIRST SIX BABIES

IMPORTANCE OF ANTE-NATAL CLINIC.

The Medical Superintendent of the Palmerston North Public Hospital, on reporting to the Hospital Board on Thursday, stated that there had been six babies born in the new maternity hospital since its opening. The ante-natal clinic was being held every Friday, and up-to-date there had been 25 attendances. Prospective mothers had booked from Shannon, Linton. Feilding, Tokomaru and Ashhurst. There were five mothers and five babies at present in the home, which it was confidently expected would soon be full.

“The prospects are that the Home is going (o be full very soon,” said Sir James Wilson, chairman of the Board. “Only the other day I saw the first baby which had been born in the hospital. This home is going to be very much used, and not only by Palmerston North mothers, for already several applications have been received from the country. “I would like to make it clear to country mothers, however, that if they wish to make application for admission they should send it straight to the Sister in charge of the Home. We would recommend, also, that they should come into Palmerston North and lodge as near the home as possible prior to admission. It is proposed to ascertain, from people in that vicinity, how many are prepared to take in such lodgers desiring admission to tfie Maternity Hospital.” “Medical men are agreed,” continued Sir James, “that the need for this ante-natal clinic is a very important one. One and all say that the maternity death rate can be greatly diminished if ante-natal clinics are established and used by women. I think that we should make it public that this clinic has been established in Palmerston North, and that we hope it Avill be well supported.”