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Homes for Unmarried Mothers.
Southwark Diocesan Association for Preventive and Rescue Work,
24, De Crespigny Park, Camberwell.
The Home is for unmarried mothers before and after the
birth of the first child. They can remain as long as is
considered necessary to give them a good start in life again.
Their general health is thoroughly attended to, and if necessary
clothing is provided. During the year 29 mothers and
22 babies were received into the Home. A great deal of
visiting and after care is also carried on. All unmarried
mothers in the Borough Institutions are visited after they
leave. In this and other ways 51 cases have been dealt with
in addition to those in the Home.
National British Women's Temperance Association " House of Help,"
201, Camberwell Grove, S.E.
The number of cases dealt with during the year in this
Hostel was 30 mothers and 30 babies, and the average length
of stay was 23 weeks. The health of both mothers and babies,
was excellent; only one baby failed to benefit, and was sent
to the Infants' Hospital, Vincent Square.
Maternity Ward.
Further negotiations proceeded during the year for the
provision of a Municipal Maternity Ward, and it is gratifying
to record that the Council were successful in their efforts to
meet the need for the accommodation of patients whose
domestic conditions are unfavourable for confinement in their
own homes, and also for patients showing some abnormality
either during pregnancy or at the time of labour.
The accommodation consists of a Ward containing six
beds and a labour room equipped with all modern appliances
at the St. Giles' Hospital, Brunswick Square, Camberwell.
I am satisfied that the establishment of this Ward will be
welcomed, not only by the residents in the Borough, but
also by the medical practitioners, who will appreciate the
facilities offered for sending patients to the Ward, thus
avoiding the necessity of carrying out obstetric operations
under circumstances which, in many instances, can only be
described as appalling.
Nursing.
The Council have continued to provide nursing assistance
for the treatment of maternity cases and infectious disease
cases arising out of maternity, and for illness in children
under 5 years of age, and also for patients suffering from
pneumonia, malaria, dysentery, and other diseases specified