View report page

65
Illegitimate Births.
An enquiry was made into the circumstances of all the illegitimate babies
(48) whose birth was registered in 1923.
Ten lived with their mothers who remained in their parent's home; if in
these circumstances the mother has to go out to work the grandmother minds the
baby.
Three lived with their mothers who went out to work, the baby being in a
creche in the daytime.
Five were boarded out with foster-mothers.
Five were in Institutions.
Seven were living with both parents, who lived together permanently.
In 14 instances no information could be obtained; the majority of these
mothers had entered a hospital or infirmary for the confinement and had not
returned to their previous address.
The remaining four died in the institution in which they were born.
Only three of these unmarried mothers came to the notice of the Health
Visitors before the birth of the child; in these no special arrangements were
required, as the mother lived permanently with the father of the child.
Dental Treatment.
A number of nursing and expectant mothers and young children were treated
at the Council's Dental Clinic held at 10, John Street. The number of new
patients during the year was 73, viz., 50 women and 23 children; the number of
attendances 310.
Assistance with Dentures, etc.
Extractions with local anaesthetic were made in 35 cases (34 women and
1 child) and with general anaesthetic in 60 cases, including 16 children. Scalings
were carried out in 36 cases (women 29, children 7). Fillings were provided in
60 cases, including 12 children. Dentures were provided for 15 patients, 13 of
whom contributed towards the cost. In nine cases dentures were remodelled;
24 were repaired and dressings were given in 60 cases. In the provision
of dentures the cost is based on the charge approved for the time being for dentists
on the Ministry of Pensions Panel.
Supply of Milk and Food for Expectant and Nursing Mothers and for Infants.
The supply of milk and food at less than cost price was continued during the
year under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1918, for:—
(а) Nursing Mothers;
(b) Expectant mothers in the last three months of pregnancy;
(c) Children up to three years of age and, exceptionally, to children between
three and five years of age.
F