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45
or other minor ailments, so that these conditions could be dealt
with properly and systematically, in order to prevent such maladies
becoming chronic. It was impossible for these matters to be dealt
with under the regime then in existence, as it would involve more
time being spent than the Medical Officer could give without neglecting
other important duties, nor could it be effectually carried out
without additional accommodation and the employment of Nurses.
In order to carry out the work in a complete form, as suggested
by the Ministry of Health, it was desirable also to establish instructional
classes for mothers in the making of children's clothing, etc.
It would, further, be advisable to form thrift clubs.
At that time the Council had only the use of the premises where
the Infant Consultations were carried on on one afternoon per week,
and consequently it was thought desirable for separate premises
to be rented, if possible in each district, so that they could be used
every day for Child Welfare purposes. This would permit of the
holding of more frequent Infant Consultations, with the daily attendance
of a qualified Nurse to give treatment, under the Medical
Officer's supervision and direction, to children needing the same.
Milk could also be distributed to Mothers, thereby obviating the
necessity for them to attend the Borough Hall whenever supplies
were needed. The need for a Centre in the neighbourhood of East
Street, Charlton, was very apparent, but with the available staff it
was not possible to establish one in this district; the Committee,
however, thought that steps should be taken to secure suitable
premises, and establish a Centre in that neighbourhood as soon as
possible.
The attention of the Council had been drawn on more than one
occasion by the Ministry of Health to the inadequacy of the staff of
Health Visitors. In the circular letter of the Ministry of Health on
the subject it is laid down that the minimum number of Health
Visitors in any district should be one visitor for each 400 annual
births, and as the births in the Borough of Greenwich during the last
twelve months reached a total of approximately 2,100 it would
appear that five Health Visitors are necessary.
From a circular letter received from the Ministry of Health
respecting the notification of Measles it was observed that the
Ministry suggested that where Measles could be satisfactorily visited,
its notification might be continued, and the Committee thought
that much good might accrue from the continuance of such notification
if the Council were able to devote the requisite amount of
visiting and care and attention to the cases; it was considered,
therefore, that the time had arrived when an increase in the staff
of Health Visitors for this purpose was essential.