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41
Up to the present, local authorities in their infant welfare have
concerned themselves more especially with the child in its first year
of life ; the matter is, however, one which needs to be dealt with
on a more comprehensive basis, and it is clearly desirable that there
should be continuity in dealing with the whole period, from before
birth until the child is entered upon a school register.
Extension of the existing work is therefore needed in two
directions ; on the one hand it is necessary that means should be
taken for securing improved ante-natal and natal conditions, and
on the other hand provision should be made for continuing the work
in relation to children beyond the first year of life. The Board
further state, that in order to assist the formulation of schemes,
or the extension of work already undertaken, a Memorandum by
the Board's Medical Officer accompanies their Circular, which sets
forth in outline the matters needing consideration in the preparation
of a comprehensive scheme. This Memorandum contemplates that
medical advice, and where necessary treatment, should be continuously
and systematically available for expectant mothers, and
for children, till they are entered on a school register, and that
arrangements should be made for home visitation throughout the
period.
The Board attach very great importance to the work of home
visitation, and state, that in promoting schemes on the lines laid
down in their Memorandum, the first step should be the appointment
of an adequate staff of Health Visitors. It is also desirable
that consultation centres, or maternity centres, should be established
to which expectant mothers, and mothers with infants and little
children may be referred for advice and treatment, such maternity
centres co-operating if possible with the midwives of the district,
and any local hospital having a midwifery department. Other
necessary steps will also include the appointment of a medical
officer to sueh a centre, the attendance at this centre of those
engaged in home visitation, and the keeping of records in such a