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69
During the year further efforts were made to insure that in Chelsea
still better results will accrue from the measures already in operation to
diminish the risk involved in childbirth. The valuable report by Dame
Janet Campbell issued by the Ministry of Health in 1924, has clearly
shown the necessity for such increased effort. Neglect in the past of
provision for the early diagnosis of conditions inimical to the health of
mothers has resulted not only in a high mortality rate but also in a
considerable, and largely avoidable amount of suffering and invalidity
amongst the survivors.
Puerperal fever, in particular, is a disease requiring early, active and
efficient treatment. The type of treatment and the highly-skilled
nursing involved are quite out of reach of the poorer sections of the
community in their own homes. These invariably consist of small
flats and tenements entirely lacking in facilities for confinement.
Wherever possible in such cases arrangements are made for the woman
to be confined in a maternity hospital or home, and there can be no doubt
as to the desirability of women entering an institution when the home
conditions are not satisfactory. Many object to making use of the
accommodation and efficient treatment provided by the Board of
Guardians, and with a view to providing for the safe confinement of such
cases, most of the Metropolitan Borough Councils have made special
arrangements. The Ministry of Health has also provided for the
admission of cases to certain of the M.A.B. Hospitals. Many patients,
however, are unwilling to enter an institution situated at any considerable
distance from their homes.
ANTE-NATAL WORK.
The work of ante-natal consultations is growing as it becomes better
known amongst mothers in the Borough. Sound advice, based on the
most recent scientific investigation, is provided by the medical officer
of the Ante-natal Clinic. Every effort is being made to ensure that
mothers will take full advantage of the excellent arrangements made
by the Chelsea Health Society so that as far as possible all risk of disease
and accident incidental to childbirth may be removed.
SUPPLY OF MILK AT LESS THAN COST PRICE.
Provision is made under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1918,
whereby milk is provided in necessitous cases free or at less than cost
price.
The Milk and Welfare Sub-Committee meets weekly at the Town Hall
to consider applications.
Free milk is supplied when the total income of the family, after deducting
rent and insurance, does not exceed 5s. per head per week. Milk
is supplied to other cases on the following basis: —
Nett available income 5s. to 6s. at the rate of Id. per pint.
6s. to 7s. 1½d.
7s. to 8s. 2d.
8s. to 9s. 2½d.