London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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St Pancras 1909

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for St. Pancras, London, Borough of]

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24
THE ST. PANCRAS PREVENTIVE SCHEME.
The St. Pancras preventive scheme of infantile mortality is briefly as
follows:—
1. Notification of Births.—From these are selected the most suitable cases
to visit, commencing with the poorest houses in the poorest streets.
2. Advice Cards to Mothers.—A copy of the Advice Card is sent to the
mother of every newly-born child as soon as the birth is notified. Supplies of
these cards are also sent to medical practitioners, hospitals, dispensaries, and
midwives for distribution.
3. Medical Advice.—In cases where mothers arc suffering from disease they
are referred to doctors, hospitals, and dispensaries, and where mothers are in
need of extra food and milk to continue breast feeding, they are referred to
religious and charitable organisations, and especially to the St. Pancras School
for Mothers.
During the year, as previously, the work of the Woman Inspector in
advising expectant mothers and in correcting defective and improper feeding
has been supplemented by assistance received from a number of lady
voluntary visitors.
The St. Pancras Mothers' and Infants' Society, supported by voluntary
contributions and voluntary workers, with its SCHOOL FOR MOTHERS
at 37, Chalton Street, Somers Town, supplements the municipal work, and is
doing a great good in the southern part of the Borough.
On the 4th September, 1909, the Local Government Board issued an Order
with respect to the qualification, duties, &c., of Health Visitors under the
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1908, which enpowers the
Borough Councils to appoint suitable women for the purpose of giving to
persons advice as to the proper nurture, care and management of young
children, and the promotion of cleanliness. The Act of 1908 enables the
County Council to pay out of the County Fund any sum by way of contribution
towards the salary of a Health Visitor appointed under the regulations
not exceeding in any case one-half the amount.