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A total number of 14 sessions per week is held at these centres
and a doctor is present at 8 of them.
It has hitherto been the practice in Battersea for toddlers to
be seen at these sessions.
The following are particulars of the work done at the centres
during 1935 in connection with toddlers:—
Total number of individual children 1-5 years of
age attending the infant welfare centres
1,337
Total number of attendances of children 1-5 years
of age
9,423
(b) Medical Staff and Supervision.
One full-time and 2 part-time medical officers are employed
by the Council for Maternity and Infant Welfare work.
(In addition 2 part-time medical officers are employed by
voluntary centres.)
(c) Health Visiting Staff.
The Council employ 12 whole-time health visitors and in
addition a qualified health visitor employed by one of the voluntary
centres undertakes visiting within her district.
During 1935, 8,050 visits were paid by health visitors to
children between the ages of 1 and 5 years. This averages
practically 1 visit per child each year.
(d) Minor Ailments.
Children found at the clinics to be suffering from small ailments
requiring treatment are referred to their own doctor (if they have
one) or the appropriate hospital.
The Council make a yearly grant of £100 to the Victoria
Hospital for Children, and of £150 to St. Thomas' Babies Hostel.
(e) Dental Clinic.
The Council provide a dental clinic for the treatment of
dental defects found in toddlers.
(/) Sunlight Treatment and Massage.
These forms of treatment are supplied by the Council to all
children requiring them at their centre at Southlands.
(g) Supply of Extra Nourishment.
Under the provisions of the Maternity and Child Welfare
Act, 1918, milk is supplied to necessitous expectant and nursing
mothers and children under 5.
(h) Day Nurseries.
There is one day nursery in the Borough which is incorporated
with the National Society of Day Nurseries. It has accommodation
for 27 children. During 1935, the attendances at the Nursery
numbered 5,608 and the Council make an annual grant of £500.