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26
An important feature of the work of the League is the provision
of dinners for nursing and expectant mothers and children at a
minimum charge or free.
Dr. A. Maud Swanson, Medical Officer in charge of the Clinic,
reports:—
Ante-natal work.—26 sessions were held, with a total attendance
of 286—
28 mothers were confined at Borough Maternity Home.
11 by Borough midwife.
13 at St. James' Hospital.
4 at various Hospitals.
5 by private midwives.
5 mothers were admitted to hospitals for treatment, viz.—1 to
Battersea General Hospital for prolapsus vaginae ; 4 to St. James's
Hospital, 1 for varicose veins, &c., and 3 for special ante-natal treatment.
Infant Welfare Work. 70 sessions held with a total attendance
of 1,871. Average attendance 26 • 7. Cases referred to Hospital—5 to
Victoria Hospital for various ailments.
Borough Dental Clinic has been of very great help to the mothers
and children, 31 cases having been referred to it during 1936. The
women are becoming more educated to the importance of Dental Care
and Treatment.
Mother craft Classes are held weekly. They consist of sewing and
knitting classes and health lectures. The attendances are good,
numbering 1,675 during the year.
Dinners.—6,308 dinners were supplied to expectant and nursing
mothers during 1936, and 3,033 to children. The children's dinners are
carefully prepared and suitable for even the youngest child.
Holidays.—23 children sent to Convalescent Homes, 1 child for
a lengthened period through the Invalid Children's Aid Association.
18 mothers—3 to Wargrave, 6 to Brighton, and 9 to Tankerton.
Chislehurst (St. James's) Mission.—The centre established by
this Society has been held for many years at a Church Hall in
Ponton Road. The sessions held weekly are in charge of one of
the Council's Health Visitors, who also carries out the necessary
visiting work in the area served. A woman medical officer attends
fortnightly. Details of the work carried out will be found in the
table on page 24.
The Council make an annual grant of £28 towards the expenses.
Battersea Fathers' Council.
This Council which was founded in 1930, and in 1936 had a
membership of 62, continued to meet monthly at the Mundella
Road centre during the year, the average attendance being 23.
Two public meetings were held during the year at Southlands and
the Town Hall respectively.
The activities of the Council are of a social and educational
nature, and although not officially recognised as an integral part of
the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme, the work is of definite
value, and is looked upon with approval by the Ministry of Health.
Many such associations have been formed in this country and
abroad.