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It is agreed, however, that by proper ante-natal supervision
and the timely transference to hospital of eases in which in all
probability there will not be a normal confinement would go a
long way to diminishing the number of such cases.
Homes for Unmarried Mothers
The work of the care of the unmarried mother and her
infant was continued to be carried out by the National British
Women's Temperance Association Home, 201, Camberwell Grove,
and by the Southwark Diocesan Association, who, until the end of
March, 1925, carried on their activities at 24, De Crespigny Park,
when the Home was closed.
Since that date patients, with the consent of the Council,
have been boarded out in Homes outside the Borough, approved
by the Ministry of Health, so that although there is now only
one institution in Camberwell for this purpose the work has not
suffered in consequence.
During 1925 the Diocesan Association investigated 61 cases;
of these 15 were placed in suitable homes, 5 marriages were
arranged, 1 was sent to hospital for confinement, 1 had a foster
mother found for the child, 2 received legal help and 10 were
referred to other agencies. 19 mothers and their babies were
admitted to the House of Help, 201, Camberwell Grove, during
1925. Two of the mothers obtained situations and were allowed
to take their babies with them, 4 obtained daily situations and
returned to their babies at night, 2 returned to their parents and
one to friends.
At the 31st December the number of mothers in the Home
was 14.
A good deal of after-care work is done by both Homes.
Convalescent Treatment.
The practice of sending approved cases for convalescent
treatment was continued, and, during the year 1925, 26 children
received treatment for one month and 1 child for 6 weeks.
Milk.
There was an appreciable drop in the number of applications
during the year for the issue of milk in accordance with the
Ministry of Health Circular No. 185. The approximate number of
pints distributed was 244,500, together with 850 lbs. of dried
milk. The estimated cost of this service amounted to £3,250.
Every application was considered by the appropriate Committee,
and in cases where there was a doubt with regard to the
information given by the applicants enquiries were made before
a grant was authorised.