S I R,- - I live in a small village where the clinic is
held once a month: The clinic doctor is also the local CP and shows an unfailing interest and sympathy With the babies (and their mothers). Recently she gave up a day of her holiday to attend the clinic, on condition that all babies were taken to see her, as s le wanted to see 'some nice healthy babies.'
The clinic nurse is the local District Nurse and Health Visitor. Not only has she brought many of the children into the world, she takes a real interest in them, remembering their names and their idiosyn- crasies.
From the point of view of advice, neither nurse nor doctor gives it unsought, and I find them both extremely helpful. Often their advice confirms some- thing I have already thought of myself. but as I am sure all new mothers will agree, it is very reassuring to have the support of an authority for one's own common sense.
Clinic afternoon is also an opportunity for the mothers of the village to get together and luxuriate in talk about their children, and to have a cup of tea made by one of the many voluntary clinic helpers. Before Christmas a 'Brine and Buy' sale is held. and the proceeds used for a Christmas party. There is a huge lighted and decorated tree, and every baby and young child receives a small present, suited to its age. There are free refreshments for everyone, includ- ing all but the very youngest.
It is a very unusual thing to hear any child cry in our clinic, and in fact it seems that everyone there enjoys the occasion I admit that this is the only clinic of which I have any experience. and that it probably owes much of its pleasant atmosphere to its village character; how- ever, I am loth to believe that it is in any way unique.—Yours faithfully.
FAY A. PASCOF.
Holly Cottage, Claverharn, Bristol
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