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active treatment was necessary ; and in the case of poor people
they have been directed where to apply for medical help. In this
way quite a large number are sent to hospitals for various reasons.
During the year only a few cases presented serious symptoms.
One case of gonorrhoeal ophthalmia with gonorrhoeal arthritis
of the shoulder ; this was sent to Mr. Tyrrell Gray at the Hospital
for Sick Children, Great Ormond street, who kindly undertook the
treatment. One case of curvature of the spine. Mr. Tyrrell Gray
also treated this case at Great Ormond street. One case of congenital
heart disease ; in this case the mother was advised. One case of
head nodding, kindly seen by Dr. Hutchinson at Great Ormond
Street. Two cases of mental deficiency ; in these cases the mothers
were advised.
In a large number of cases the mothers were advised in regard
to the dieting and general care of their children.
One feature of the centre has been the distribution of free milk.
This has undoubtedly been of immense assistance to poor mothers,
and, so far as I can ascertain, has not been abused, though great care
has to be taken to see that only cases of real distress are helped.
The sale of " Glaxo " and other proprietary foods at the Centre
has proved very popular, though I should like to point out a real
danger in that the mothers may come to look on the centre chiefly as
a distributing centre for food and not a Welfare centre for their
children.
I wish to draw the attention of the Council to the splendid work
done by the Health Visitors who work at the centre, I cannot speak
too highly of their efficiency. I must also take this opportunity of
thanking Dr. Robert Hutchison, Mr. Tyrrell Gray, Mr. Elmore
Bremerton and Dr. Thursfield for seeing cases at the Hospitals, and
kindly writing me in regard to their treatment.