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7
Chelsea Red Cross Nursing Home for Babies, Edith-terrace.
This Home was closed on the 31st July, 1922, in consequence of the
complaints of a neighbouring resident, as to the noise of crying infants.
It has not been found possible to acquire any other premises suitable for
the carrying on of the Home.
Chelsea Branch of the Invalid Children's Aid Association.
During the year 1922, 188 new cases were referred to the Branch,
of which number 79 were received from the Tuberculosis Care Committee.
In addition 201 applications were made by old cases, making a total for
the year of 389 cases. The number of cases already in Homes carried
over from 1921 was 37.
During the year the Branch sent away for convalescent treatment
and assisted in various ways 66 children of 5 years and under. Thirtythree
of these children were sent to convalescent homes in the country
or at the sea-side for periods varying from one to six months, at a cost
of from 10s. to 15s. weekly. The total cost was £164 9s. 6d., to which the
parents contributed £61 14s. 6d., leaving a balance of £102 15s., to be
raised by the Branch. The Branch also arranged free convalescence
through the United Services Fund for two children.
In six cases the parents refused to send the children at the last
moment, although all arrangements had been made.
Most of the children were visited regularly, and kept under observation.
In many cases the children were sent free of railway fare. In
other cases help was given by in- and out-patient letters, presents of
warm clothing, books, etc.
The Branch is now also giving medical comforts (cod-liver oil, malt,
phosphates, cream, cough mixtures, etc.) to infants and young children
recommended by the Chelsea Health Society, whose parents, owing to
unemployment, are unable to pay for such medical comforts. The Branch
undertakes to supply these comforts to each child for 3 months, and in
exceptional circumstances for a longer period.
Supply of Milk at less than Cost Price.
There has been no alteration in the scheme approved by the Minister
of Health since 1921. Necessitous cases only may be supplied, namely
(a.) nursing mothers who are actually suckling their children; (b.) expectant
mothers in the last 3 months of pregnancy; and (c.) children
up to 8 years of age. Children between 3 and 5 may be supplied on the
production of medical certificates.
The amount of milk permitted under the scheme is one pint per
day per person, but infants between 3 and 18 months may receive
1½ pints on production of medical certificates. About three-quarters of
the total milk supplied is Ambrosia (dried milk), the remainder being
the milk retailed by dairies.
During 1922, the number of applications for milk, including renewals,
granted by the Sub-Committee were as follows:—1st quarter, 448;
2nd quarter, 464; 3rd quarter, 439; 4th quarter, 529; total for the
year, 1880, as against 2530 in 1921. The approximate total cost for the
year was £429, namely, 1st quarter, £119; 2nd quarter, £94; 3rd