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Maternity and Child Welfare
Good progress has been maintained in the work of this
section of the Public Health Department, and a considerable
amount of re-organisation effected.
The total number of visits paid by the Health Visitors
during 1931 amounted to 6,259, the figure for the previous
year being 6,422.
The attendance of the children at the Centres has continued
to be most satisfactory. At the Pelham Centre the
average attendance per session has risen from 64 in 1930 to
69 in 1931.
The average attendance per session at the Wandle Park
Centre was 42, comparing very favourably with the figure
of 40 during 1930.
The Ante-natal Clinic is held at Wandle Park House in
the afternoon on the second and fourth Thursday in the
month. The average attendance per session at this Clinic
was nine. The figure for the previous year was six.
Steady attendance has been maintained at the classes
for mothers, which are held at both of the Centres. Home
nursing, mothercraft, hygiene, and singing, are taught. The
average attendance of mothers at the Pelham Centre was
fifty-five and at the Wandle Park Centre twenty-six.
Ophthalmic Treatment.—Twenty-seven children from the
Maternity and Child Welfare Centres were seen by the
Ophthalmic Surgeon at the refraction clinic during the year.
Spectacles were prescribed in two cases.
Treatment of Minor Ailments.—Two hundred and two
children below school age attended the Health Centre for
treatment.
Treatment of Tonsils and Adenoids.—Arrangements were
made for the operative treatment of tonsils and adenoids in
six cases.
Orthopaedic Treatment.— A joint scheme for the treatment
of crippling defects was adopted by the Maternity and Child
Welfare and Education Committees, and came into operation
in July, 1931. Details of the Scheme are given in the report
of the School Medical Officer.
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