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V.-MATERNITY AND CHILD
WELFARE.
There have been several changes of importance during the
year in the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme to which it is
necessary to call attention. I am very pleased to be able to
record that a satisfactory arrangement has been arrived at with
regard to the Maternity and Child Welfare Centre at the Central
Hall. The number of Health Visitors employed by the Central
Hall authority has been increased so that there are now one
part-time and two whole-time Health Visitors. The part-time
Medical Officers are employed and paid by the Borough Council
and work under the direction of the Medical Officer of Health.
Mothers and children are now seen by appointment so that the
attendances are more evenly spread out over the whole of the
sessions, and many other smaller points of difference have been
adjusted to the satisfaction of both parties.
In October following the resignation of one of the Tuberculosis
Nurses, I submitted a report suggesting that the remaining
nurse, Miss Riley, should be appointed as a Health Visitor and the
work of visiting tuberculous patients should then be divided
amongst all the Health Visitors. Both committees agreed to
these proposals which are now in force and working satisfactorily.
In the early part of the year the committee had under consideration
the question of providing for the examination and
treatment of women at the menopause. It was the intention to
provide the services of an expert in diseases peculiar to women
for three classes of patients:—
1. Post-Natal,—Women suffering from trouble following confinement.
2. Menopause.—Patients suffering from diseases associated
with the "change of life."
3. Diseases of the Female Generative Organs, including,
amongst other things, cancer and other tumours.