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During the later months, owing to the more general knowledge
of the Council's milk scheme, and to the regulation requiring all
children requiring extra nourishment to attend the Centres
(except in exceptional cases) the numbers attending largely
increased, and it is interesting to note that those children who
attended the Centres since infancy are in better condition than
those who have not been under such observation.
At the Centres advice is given to expectant and nursing
mothers, and to children under five years of age. Mothercraft
classes, sewing classes, etc., are held at two of the Centres,
Eltham and Plumstead.
93. The Needs of the Borough. There is a very definite
need for the provision of more ante.natal work, for the provision
of more maternity beds, for the provision of medical and surgical
treatment of young children, and for the dental treatment for
children under school age, and for expectant and nursing
mothers.
At the present time there are two schemes under consideration
to amplify the hospital accommodation of the Borough : —
(1). The provision of a general hospital for Woolwich, with
maternity and children's beds ;
(2). The extension of the British Hospital for Mothers and
Babies.
The need of these institutions is urgent, and when completed
they will form a very important part in the saving of infant life
in the Borough.
Infectious Diseases in relation to this Work.
94. Puerperal Fever. During the year, 7 cases of Puerperal
Fever were notified, as compared with 14 in 1918. The case.rate
per 1,000 births was 2.55, as compared with 5.20, 4.44 and 5.43
in the three preceding years. The number of cases which
received hospital treatment was 5. There were 5 deaths.