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28
MATERNITY & CHILD WELFARE.
In no matter has the development of Public
Health administration been so strikingly shown as in
the variety of activities now carried on under the
general description of Maternity and Child Welfare
work. From concern with purely environmental conditions,
the Public Health service has found it
necessary more and more to deal with the individual,
and the newer forms of work relate to the most
important and intimate phases of individual well-being.
The Council has in operation a very comprehensive
scheme of Maternity and Child Welfare, as, indeed,
is well needed having regard to the housing conditions
and the economic position of the residents in the
Borough. The main features of the work consist
(a) in the visitation of mothers and children in their
homes by a staff of ten Health Visitors, and (b) in
the giving of advice to mothers and children by a
staff of part-time lady doctors, assisted by tbe Health
Visitors, etc., at the Welfare Centres. The Council's
principal Maternity and Child Welfare Centre is a
well-equipped building, at which, in addition to the
usual clinics for general advice with regard to maternal
and child welfare, there are also the following special
branches of work:—
Special Clinic for Delicate Children, Light Treatment,
Dental Treatment, Massage. A Children's Consultation
Clinic is also conducted on hired premises at
Thornton Hall every week. The Council employs a
trained Midwife, who conducts confinements in the
district. Mothers recovering from confinement and
ailing children are sent away for convalescent treatment.
Nursing assistance in a variety of illnesses is
also provided through the agency of the District Nursing
Association.