London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Wandsworth 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth, Metropolitan Borough]
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10
HOME HELPS SERVICE
For many years the Council had granted financial assistance to
expectant mothers who arranged to have their confinements at home
and had engaged suitable women to assist them, if they were found
to need such assistance.
In January, 1946, the scheme was extended and provision made
for home helps to visit sick and infirm persons and maternity cases
who did not make their own arrangements. It was not always possible
to meet all the demands received as the number of women
available to act as home helps was limited. 35 were employed at date
of transfer of the service to the London County Council, most of
them working on a part-time basis.
Applicants for the service were required to pay a proportion of
the cost, according to their means.
The following table shows the number of cases dealt with during the half-year:—
| Maternity cases. | Other cases. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of cases dealt with and completed | 133 | 88 | 221 |
| No. of cases commenced but not completed by 5th July, 1948 | 27 | 62 | 89 |
| 160 | 150 | 310 | |
| No of applications received and investigated but subsequently cancelled by patients | 85 | 136 | 221 |
| 245 | 286 | 531 |
DAY NURSERIES
The need for Day Nurseries was still acute, and only children
whose parents had compassionate reasons could be placed. With
the approval of the Ministry of Health, 11 Day Nurseries were
operating up to the date of transfer to the County Council.