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50
During 1936, 341 new children were referred to the Branch apart
from many re-applications.
178 children were sent away to the seaside and country for an
average stay of 8 weeks, at a cost of £824.
34 children were supplied with surgical appliances or repairs,
costing £27.
In particular, 94 children were referred to the I.C.A.A. by the
Tuberculosis dispensary, infant welfare centres of the Borough Council,
and by the Medical Officer of Health who referred children in need of convalescence
on discharge from Fever Hospitals. Forty-one children were
sent for convalescence, at a cost of £170, and 22 children were boarded
out under the London County Council Scheme for tuberculosis contacts.
In these cases the arrangements were made by the I.C.A.A., but the
cost was borne by the London County Council.
During 1936, 120 new children under the age of five years were
referred to the I.C.A.A. from all sources. Of this number 61 were given
material help amounting to £268.
The Battersea I.C.A.A. is very glad to be able to aid the Battersea
Borough Council in the care of the delicate and invalid children of the
Borough and much appreciates the help that they have received from
the Borough Council.
Toddlers' Clinic.
An important circular letter, No. 1550, dated 29th May and
addressed to all Maternity and Child Welfare Authorities, was
received from the Minister of Health in June. The letter expressed
the Minister's satisfaction with the general arrangements made for
the supervision of the health of children up to the age of 18 months
or two years, but drew attention to the need for more adequate
supervision of the child's health during the " toddler " stage, i.e.
from about two years to school age. The importance of systematic
visitation of such children, involving perhaps an increase of the
health visiting staff, was emphasised, and the Minister also drew
attention to the establishment in some areas of " toddlers " clinics.
A special report (which is set out on pages 123-127) was submitted
by the Medical Officer of Health to the Committee, on the subject
of the Ministry's circular, and the Committee adopted the report
and submitted the recommendations contained therein to the
Council, by whom they were adopted. The recommendations, so
far as they were related to this matter, were as follows :—
That a " toddlers' clinic " be set up at the Southlands Maternity
and Child Welfare Centre, and that the Medical Officer of
Health be authorised to make the necessary arrangements
and repoit upon the results in twelve months time.
That negotiations be entered into with the London County
Council, with a view to arrangements being made for the
treatment of minor ailments of children up to the age of
5 years at their School Treatment Centres.
That, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health and
the London County Council, Dr. M. J. O'Flynn, part-time
Assistant Tuberculosis Officer, be appointed as full-time
Assistant Medical Officer as from the 1st October, next.