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8
Chelsea Branch of the Invalid Children's Aid Association.
Report of Work done in 1924 in respect of Children under 5 years.
During 1924 the Branch have had under their care 140 children
up to the age of 5 years.
These children were suffering from Marasmus and Malnutrition,
Rickets, Anaemia, enlarged Glands, Debility after acute illness, injuries
or congenital deformities. Fifty-five children were sent to Convalescent
Homes in the country or to the seaside. Four children were placed in
special hospitals for prolonged treatment. One child went to a Sana
torium. Two children were referred to the Guardians to be passed on
to Queen Mary's Hospital, Carshalton.
The length of convalescence varied from six weeks to six months
and in some cases longer. In a few instances treatment has been prolonged
over two years.
Four children were provided with surgical boots and appliances.
Thirty-four children (infants) whose fathers were out of employment,
were given medical aids, such as tonic medicines, phosphates, vitoleum
cream, malt and cod-liver oil, during periods varying from one to three
months.
Warm clothing, hospital letters, the loan of perambulators, escorts,
railway fares, etc., were provided when necessary.
All children referred to the Association were kept under supervision
by friendly visiting and advice to mothers.
The total amount disbursed by the Association on these cases during
1924 was £371 lis. 9d., towards which sum the parents contributed
£90 10s., leaving a balance of £281 Is. 9d. to be raised by the Chelsea
Branch.
Deaths and Death-rate.
There were 856 deaths of Chelsea residents in 1924, as compared
with 788 in 1923, and 853 in 1922.
The death-rate for the year was 13.2 per 1,000, as against
12-2 in 1923, and 13-3 in 1922.
In London the death-rate for 1924 was 12.1, and in England and
Wales 12.2.