View report page

(c) That the supply of liquid milk be discontinued and replaced
by dried milk in quantities which, when properly reconstituted,
would approximate to the quantities of liquid
milk.
(d) That milk be only supplied at the Public Health Offices
after the production of a certificate from the Medical
Officer of an Infant Welfare Centre in the Borough recommending
its issue, and upon personal application except
in cases where, owing to medical circumstances, a visit to
an Infant Welfare Centre would be inadvisable.
One of the conditions of the new scheme, which will be noted,
is the obligation placed upon the mother to take her children to an
Infant Welfare Centre to be seen by the Medical Officer before a
recommendation for milk can be entertained.
The observance of this condition of issue has the merit of
providing for a periodical medical overhaul and the prescription by
the Clinic Medical Officer of a particular brand of dried milk best
suited to the child.
Issues of dried milk containing iron are also available for
delicate babies and pregnant women suffering from anaemia.
Experience has also shown that children fed upon dried milk
can be reared successfully, and that this form of milk has this
advantage that it is more suitable in homes where facilities do not
exist for keeping cow's milk, particularly in the warm weather.
The new scheme is working satisfactorily, and for those who
have a real desire to safeguard their children's health it offers distinct
medical advantages over the old scheme.
In addition to a recommendation for milk, cod liver oil and
virol are supplied free at the various centres for those who cannot
afford to pay for these preparations, so that by this free distribution
it may be stated that an adequate dietary for infants is
ensured for all who pass through the Infant Welfare Centres.
Measure of Co-operation between the Public Assistance
Authority and this Council.
Applicants in receipt of public assistance relief are ineligible
for consideration under this Council's Milk Distribution Scheme,
and are referred to the local Public Assistance Committee.
At the request of the London County Council arrangements
were made during the year for the issue of extra nourishment through
the agency of the Public Health Department to maternity cases
where domiciliary relief was being granted by the Public Assistance
Authority, the cost of such issues being borne by the London
County Council.