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62
Section E.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
Considerable activity has been displayed on this subject during the
year under review.
In March, a let'er was received from the Local Government Board
referring to the report of their Inspector after a recent visit to Hampstead.
The Board expressed themselves as being glad to hear of the good
work which was being carried out at the Ante-Natal Clinic, and hoped
the Council would continue to make every effort to develop this work
and extend the home visiting of expectant mothers. They also suggested
that the Council should consider the possibility of opening another AnteNatal
Clinic to serve the Eastern side of the Borough.
On May 9th, 1919, I presented to the Committee a comprehensive
report on the subject, and in view of the great importance of the matter
and of the subsequent events that transpired, I have deemed it well to
reprint in e.rtenso the proposals for extending and improving the work
which occurred in the report named. These were as follows:—
"Proposals for Extending and Improving the Work.
I. Clinic.—Among the most urgent matters needing consideration
at the present time is the extension of the work of the Ante-Natal Clinic,
both by increasing the clientele on the Western Side of the Borough, and
by establishing a Clinic on the Eastern side.
I hold the Ante-Natal Clinic to be probably the most promising
factor in the whole scheme as matters exist to-day. Among the causes
of infantile deaths, the most prominent class of all is a group of diseases
which lead to the very early death of the child. Thus, 25 of our 62
infant deaths in 1918, or 4 j per cent., died in the first month of their
lives, and principally from diseases which must be attacked prior to
birth if the child is to have a fair chance. Ante-Natal work, and AnteNatal
work alone, can reach them; the ordinary work of a Weighing
Centre cannot. A large proportion of this class die before the time
comes for them to attend a Centre.
Acting in accordance with the instructions of the Committee, I have
viewed certain premises on the Eastern side of the Borough with a view
to immediate and future action. Whatever is done in the future, premises
are needed on the Eastern side for this purpose at once. Together with
your Chairman, and the Chairman of the Public Health Committee, I
have inspected the Out-Patient Department of the Hampstead General
Hospital and a shop No. 59, South End Road. Either of these would
suit our need, but I am of the opinion that No 59, South End Road is
the most suitable.
It is at present rented by the Borough Council at a rental of £60
per annum as a National Kitchen; but occupation for that purpose is
likely to* cease shortly, and I have arranged for immediate notice to be
given me when it is no longer needed as a Kitchen. If these premises
can be obtained they would provide satisfactory accommodation in a
suitable position. Their adaptation for the purpose of a Dispensary or