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32
The number of cases in St. Mary's House, during the financial
year 1930-31, to the maintenance of which the Council contributed,
was 5, the cost to the Council being £129 8s. 9d.
In the case of other homes, the number of cases during the
financial year was 11, and the additional contribution of the Council
amounted to £100.
Home Helps.
The arrangements referred to in the Annual Report for 1929
for the provision in suitable cases of assistance in the home during
the mother's lying-in period were continued during 1930. So far
as this Borough is concerned, the facilities have not been availed of
to the extent anticipated.
Some of the difficulties associated with the provision of Home
Helps have been previously referred to, chief among which is the
disinclination on the part of mothers to have a strange woman in
their homes. The provision by the Council of a Maternity Hospital
and complete Midwifery Service has, however, to some extent
obviated the need for Home Helps where home conditions are
otherwise undesirable. When, however, the advantages of Home
Helps are recognised, and the prejudice of the mothers has been
overcome, it is anticipated that more use will be made of the service.
The present arrangements are that a list of suitable women
recognised for this service is kept by the Health Visiting Staff, and
applicants for the service are allowed to choose a woman from this
list. She is paid at the usual rates for her period of service.
During the year two Home Helps were provided in two cases
for a period of 4 and 6 weeks respectively.
Milk for Necessitous Persons.
Under the provisions of the Maternity and Child Welfare
Act, 1918, Grade A (Tuberculin tested) and dried milk is provided
by the Council for necessitous expectant'and nursing mothers and
children under 5 years of age. The following table gives particulars
relating to the number of persons supplied, quantities distributed
and cost after deducting payments made by those able in part to
contribute :—