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this service by Clinic Medical Officers of ante-natal and infant
welfare clinics in the Borough.
In the early days of this scheme it was found that in some
cases mothers could only take advantage of this service by incurring
expenditure on travelling which they could not reasonably afford.
The Council accordingly authorised payment of the patients'
fares to and from the Invalid Kitchen Centre, and further extended
the scheme enabling patients to attend an approved dining-room
in the neighbourhood of their own homes, if desired. It was also
decided to supply mid-day meals to expectant and nursing mothers
attending Maternity and Child Welfare Centres, notwithstanding
that they may be in receipt of Public Assistance relief. The number
of patients who received meals under this scheme during 1930 was
54.
Infant Welfare Centres.
The desirability of providing up-to-date Municipal Infant
Welfare Centres in the north-western and southern districts of
the Borough to replace Clinics held at church premises in these
areas, was a matter which engaged the attention of the appropriate
Committee of the Council during the year. Possible sites in each
district were surveyed for this purpose, and at the end of the year
this matter was still under consideration.
The Council has also been in communication with the London
County Council with regard to the possibility of obtaining suitable
accommodation in the housing estate which is in course of erection
at Sumner Road. Peckham, for the purposes of an Infant Welfare
Centre, and plans have been furnished by the County Council
indicating the kind of accommodation which might be provided
by them.
Ante-Natal Services Scheme.
The Council decided to continue the scheme for the provision
by the London County Council at St. Giles' and Dulwich Hospitals
of ante- and post-natal examinations and supervision (including
dental treatment) of Camberwell Maternity patients to be confined
in their own homes either by a private medical practitioner or
by a practising midwife for a further period of twelve months.
The original scheme provided for the payment by this Authority
of an agreed annual sum, viz., £75 for these services, but in view
of the disappointing attendances at these clinics payment is now
made on the basis of 2s. for each attendance by a patient.
Ante-natal Supervision.
The ante-natal services provided by the Council consist of
medical examinations and supervision at ante-natal clinics and
home visiting, by health visitors.