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305
A comparison of the causes of Infantile Mortality in 1919 with
those of the preceding year shows an increase during last year in the
deaths from Wasting, Debility and Premature Birth; and a
decrease in those from Pneumonia.
THE MATERNITY AND INFANT CARE WORK.
Miss Reeve, the Chief Health Visitor, reports as follows:—
During the year 1919 a greater number of infants were born
than in the previous year. Therefore, more infants were visited,
though, owing to shortness of staff, fewer re-visits were made.
This was unavoidable. It has now been rectified by the appointment
of a third Health Visitor.
The number of infants visited was 916, these being followed
by 1,705 re-visits, making 2,621 visits in all.
The work of the Child Welfare Centre increased greatly, a larger
number of infants and children attending than ever before—566.
The work is, very evidently, appreciated by the mothers. Many
attend very regularly indeed, and a larger proportion would do
so if space were not so limited. At times, especially on Thursdays,
the crowding has been very great. On four afternoons the attendances
were 70, 73, 72 and 77! Also on 30 other occasions there
were more than 50 attendances on a single afternoon. To meet
this an extra weekly consultation is now held, the sessions now
numbering three, one of which is for weighing only, i.e., no consultations
taking place as Dr. New is not in attendance.
Apart from the sessions, 3,652 mothers have specially called
at the Centre for advice or to purchase goods.