Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1938
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The total quantity of milk supplied during the year to expectant and nursing mothers and young children was as follows:—
Cows Milk, free of cost | 6052 gallons |
Cows Milk at reduced cost | 1598 „ |
7650 „ | |
Dried Milk, free of cost | 1266 lbs. |
Dried Milk at reduced cost | 534 „ |
Total | 1800 „ |
The arrangements for the supply of milk in the Borough are working
satisfactorily. Families in receipt of out-relief do not come under the
Council's scheme for the supply of milk to necessitous mothers and
children. These cases are dealt with entirely by the Public Assistance
Committee, who grant the necessary extra milk on a certificate signed by
a Doctor at the Welfare Centre. This scheme obviates the undesirable
practice of an individual being granted a somewhat similar form of relief
by two different authorities.
The supply of milk under the Borough Council Scheme has undoubtedly
effected very marked improvement in the general health of both mothers
and children.
INSTITUTIONAL PROVISION FOR UNMARRIED MOTHERS,
ILLEGITIMATE INFANTS AND HOMELESS CHILDREN.
(а) The Day Servants Hostel, 29-33, Danvers Street, Chelsea, provides
accommodation for 15 unmarried mothers and their infants. Cases
are not received until after birth of the child. Daily work is provided
by the Hostel and the mothers reside with their babies at night.
(б) The Fanny Hobson Hostel, 497, King's Road, Chelsea, provides
accommodation for 20 women on discharge from prison or if found
homeless. Unmarried mothers, but not illegitimate infants, are received.
An expectant mother is retained until the confinement approaches.
Arrangements are then made for her admission to Hospital. If she is
subsequently re-admitted to the Hostel, the infant is settled with a foster
mother.
(c) St. Theresa's Shelter, 43, Smith Street, Chelsea, is a Rescue
Home which provides accommodation for nine girls. Cases are detained
for some weeks until some suitable employment can be found. In the
case of an expectant mother, arrangements are made for her transfer
to an appropriate Home or Institution elsewhere in the Metropolis.
Homeless children in general are cared for by the Public Assistance
Committee.