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a patient in necessitous circumstances at the time of her confinement,
but in view of the .London County Council's domiciliary
midwifery service which makes provision for this class of patient,
the Council, in the early part of the year, decided to discontinue
these payments.
Maternity Outfits.
During the year 64 sterilised maternity outfits were supplied
from the Public Health Department to mothers who had made
arrangements to be confined in their own homes. Ten of these outfits
were supplied at cost price, nine at less than cost price, and 45
free of charge.
Home Helps.
The Council's Home Help Scheme offers the services of approved
persons at the homes of patients during the period of pregnancy
and/or childbirth to undertake such duties as general home management,
including marketing and the domestic washing for the household.
The performance by the Home Help of any nursing duties is,
however, strictly forbidden. These services are available usually
for a period of 14 days, but may be extended for such periods as
the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee decide. The number
of patients for whom home help services were provided during 1938
was 97. In 34 cases part of the cost of such services was recovered
from the patient.
Supply of Meals to Expectant and Nursing Mothers.
During the year 54 mothers took advantage of the Council's
scheme enabling expectant and nursing mothers in necessitous
circumstances to receive a mid-day meal at an approved dining
centre in the Borough.
Convalescent Treatment for Mothers after Confinement.
Under the provisions of the Council's Convalescent Home
Treatment Scheme treatment was provided during the year for
18 mothers with their infants at approved convalescent homes.
In six cases part of the cost of the treatment was recovered from the
patients.
Dental Treatment for Expectant and Nursing Mothers.
Dental treatment was provided for 12 patients under this
scheme. Part of the cost of the treatment provided by the Council
was recovered from the patient in six instances.