MATERNITY CLINICS

Nelson Evening Mail, 22 September 1916, Page 3

MATERNITY CLINICS

[United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 21. The .Minister for Public Health statesi that there will .be established: at once at St. Helens Hospital, Wellington', and' at all other St. Helens Hcspials in the Dominion, clinics where expectant mothers wall be able to obtain advice and treatment as out patients. Circulars are bei'ng sent to all medical practitioners in each district advising _ them of the .position, and inviting their cooperation. The olinrc will be in charge of the medlicail officer of the St Helens Hospital in each centre, and any ipiatient who may not ibe in a position/ to pay fees for pre-natal advice and treatment will 'be able to obtain this information arud ! treatment by applying to the matron* or medical officer. Those patients _ who have engaged the of a private medical ipjractitioner for their confinement wilil ;be strictly regarded' as- private patients, and' will not be bookedi for admission to the _ hospt'-tal except where their condition is .considered 1 to require hospital treatment and with the consent of the doctor so engaged". No woman whose husband is in receipt of- more tha-ru £4 per week will' be entitled! to treatment at these cD'.nics. Recommendations forwarded by medical practitioners whether ctfivate or public, for treatment at these hospitals will be carefully dealt with, and in such) cases patients .after receiving pre-natail treatment in the hospital will 'be able to return to the' r homes for confinement. The Minister hopes that the conditions now brought about wiLl have the effect of materially assisting wage-ear irera and.also members of friendly societies wlio come within the limitation of salary mentioned.