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46
would give early consideration to the Report and to the suggestions
made in the circular and inform him of the action proposed to
be taken. The Council decided to inform the Minister that they
were alive to the necessity of maintaining a comprehensive, efficient
and progressive maternity organisation and had carefully and
sympathetically considered the circular letter and report and that,
while of opinion that the suggestions contained therein were in
the main already provided for in the Council's scheme, they would
continue to give the subject their earnest consideration with a
view to the development of the scheme on the lines suggested.
Convalescent Homes.
During 1937 accommodation was provided for 10 mothers
and 10 children attending the Maternity and Child Welfare clinics
at four approved convalescent homes. The cost incurred by the
Council amounted to about £20 14s. 0d., and three of the families
concerned were charged with the balance of £2.
Seventeen other children attending the Council's Welfare
Centres were sent away for a period of convalescence through the
agency and at the cost of the Invalid Children's Aid Association
In addition to the above a number of mothers and children
attending the centres of the Women's League of Service were sent
away for convalescence, the cost of which was not borne by the
Council (vide page 26).
St. Thomas's Babies' Hostel.
Since 1926 cases have been sent from the Borough Maternity
and Child Welfare clinics to this Hostel for the encouragement of
breast feeding.
The result of this work during 1937 is as follows:—
Test Feeds. Number of cases, 183, comprising : Mothers,
183 ; babies, 184. Number of attendances, 602.
16 of these cases received in-patient treatment.
In-Patient Treatment. Battersea cases received—
16 mothers and 28 babies sent by Council.
1 mother and 4 babies sent from other sources.
Period of stay.
Cases sent.by Council—16 mothers and 28 babies,
1,382 days; average, mothers 21 days, babies
37 days.
Other cases—1 mother and 4 babies, 228 days;
mother 25 days, babies (average) 57 days.
A contribution of £150 is made by the Council annually in
respect of the work carried out by the Hostel for Battersea
mothers.