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47
Infant Welfare Centres.
The weekly centre at Dagenham previously held at Station
Road was transferred in August to Heathway, as being more
central to the population using the centres. The average
attendance for this clinic was 71, new cases 10.
The Becontree clinic continued to be held at Haydon Road
with an average attendance of new cases 9, total 67.
In June a weekly session was opened at Chadwell Heath.
This had an average attendance of 24, new cases 3.
The centres are all maintained by the Local Authority, there
being no voluntarily run centres in the district and no voluntary
helpers attached to the clinics. At most of them there are
present two Health Visitors with, in addition, a clerk to deal
with the distribution of the foodstuffs.
Owing to the nature of the premises and the large numbers
of persons attending, there has been no attempt as yet made
for class instruction or talks to mothers. This is a line where
much good can be done, but to be a success it does need to
be carried out in favourable circumstances.
Assisted Milk Scheme.

Owing to the high rents paidi in this district, there are
comparatively few who are not entitled under the scale to
assistance. Although they may be thriving, the infants are
justifiably recommended for milk by the Medical Officers at the
centres as in many cases no milk would enter the homes except
'hat paid for by the Local Authority.
In addition to this assistance, at each centre is sold at cost
Pnce to those cases recommended by the Medical Officers,
various patent foods and simple medicaments. Also there is a
vcrY large sale, at cost price, of wool for the making of infant
liarments.