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Every endeavour was made to add to the number of persons on the
panel available for these services to meet the requirements of this
extension of the Scheme, but without success. Consequently it has not
been possible to implement the Council's desire to extend the Service
in the manner indicated. Indeed, it frequently happens that the demands
of the expectant mothers cannot be met in view of the small number of
Home Helps available to undertake the duties of these appointments.
The problem of the illegitimate child also received attention by
the Council and a Scheme was adopted embodying the recommendations submitted
by the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee to the
Constituent Councils in the interest of uniformity of practice throughout
the Metropolis. The principal features of the Scheme are
guaranteed payments by the local authority to Poster Mothers for their
services and closer co-operation between the Moral Welfare Worker of
the Southwark Diocesan Association and the Public Health Department in
all matters affecting the mother and her illegitimate child.
The Ministry of Health Circular on the care of Premature Infants
was also reviewed and instructions were given for the weight of the
baby at birth to be included in future in the particulars required to
be furnished by a person giving notice of the birth of a child and for
arrangements to be made as far as possible for the admission of selected
cases to hospital.
Close co-operation exists between the Maternity Units of the
various hospitals receiving Camberwell mothers for confinement and the
Public Health Department. On leaving hospital, these infants are closely
followed up by the Health Visitors,
Two of the twelve War-time Nurseries in the Borough were irreparably
damaged by flying bombs during the year and a Rest Centre Nursery was
temporarily closed as a result of enemy action damage. The Nurseries
destroyed received children in the 0-5 years of age group.
A deputy matron and nursery nurse were loaned for temporary service
at Nurseries outside London in view of the exodus of mothers and children
from the Borough during Fly-bombing.
The nursing staff of the War-time Nurseries were examined at the
Tuberculosis Dispensary in accordance with the suggestions made by the
Ministry of Health in their Circular 111/44.
Miss K. Harris, a temporary Health Visitor was at the request of
the Ministry of Health loaned to supplement the health visiting staff at
Northampton.
In conclusion I wish to thank the members of the Cornell and the
Chairmen of the Standing Committees for their continued support and
encouragement and the staff of the Public Health Department for their
loyal co-operation throughout the year.
I am, your obedient servant,
H. W. BARNES.
MEDICAL OFFICER OP HEALTH.
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