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84
Work at Centres.
Holborn Centre, 10, John Street.

St. Giles' Centre, Short's Gardens.
The most important development of the Maternity and Child Welfare work in
the Borough during the past year was the opening of a Centre at Short's Gardens.
For some time prior to 1921 arrangements were in operation for a Maternity
and Child Welfare Centre at the premises of the London Medical Mission in
Short's Gardens. In consequence of the closing of the Mission and disposal of their
premises it became necessary to close this Centre at the end of 1920. Subsequent
to that date the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee frequently had under
consideration the desirability of other arrangements being made for re-organising
a Centre in that part of the Borough, but it was found impracticable to find suitable
premises at a reasonable cost. In the year 1924, when the Incorporated Society
for Improving the Condition of the Labouring Classes were about to erect dwellings
on a site in Short's Gardens, a suggestion was made that accommodation suitable
for a Maternity and Child Welfare Centre might be reserved in the new buildings.
In response to this suggestion the Society constructed in the forecourt of their
new dwellings a one-storey building suitably designed and fitted for the purposes
of a Maternity and Child Welfare Centre. The London Medical Mission became the
tenants of this building and agreed to sublet the same to the Council two half-days
each week for Maternity and Child Welfare purposes.
The Minister of Health approved the proposed arrangement and the Branch
Centre was opened on Monday, October 4th. As the opening synchronised with
the beginning of Health and Baby Week, the opening of the Branch Centre was
made the initial feature of the week, and special reference to the opening
ceremony is made on page 102 of this Report in connection with Health and
Baby Week.