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In all, three premature infants died—two within twenty-four
hours and one within a month. Two of these were born in hospital
whilst the third was born at home and removed to hospital. The
remaining twenty-four babies were known to have survived at the
end of one month.
The number of premature infants actually born in Wimbledon
was eight, including two children born to mothers not normally
resident in the Borough. Five of these infants were born at home
and three in nursing homes.
Care of Illegitimate Children.—Ministry of Health Circular 2866 (1948).
The Wimbledon and Merton Moral Welfare Association have
a welfare worker who deals with the problems arising in connection
with unmarried mothers and the care of illegitimate children in this
area.
During the period 1/1/48 to 4/7/48, the Wimbledon Borough
Council accepted financial responsibility for the maintenance of two
unmarried mothers with their babies at the Haygarth Witts Memorial
Home, Wimbledon, at a total cost of £35 6s. Od.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
During the period 1/1/48 to 4/7/48, one case of ophthalmia
neonatorum was notified. The patient was treated at home. There
was no impairment of vision.
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