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Nursing.—The District Nurses, under contract with the Council,
paid 4,443 vists to 630 cases, of which 139 were patients suffering
from infectious disease.
Day Nurseries. —The four nurseries having accommodation for
1 90 children, continued to be utilised to capacity during the year,
the attendances totalling 46,506. As from April 1st the nurseries
w ere subject to grant from the Ministry instead of as hitherto the
Ministry being responsible for the whole of the cost.
In view of the length of the waiting list the Council laid down
rules regarding priorities for admission the effect of which was that
the children of those mothers who had most need on economic
grounds to go into employment are to be given preference when a
v acancy arises.
St. Margaret's Day Nursery.—Throughout the year this
nursery continued its normal activity and the attendances numbered
4,858 and an average of 13.6 children was maintained in the
Guest House. Unfortunately owing to lack of staff, the Guest
House had to close down in December. The Council's grant of
£500 was continued.
Child Life Protection.—40 foster-mothers were on the register
a t the end of 1946, but only 17 of these had nurse-children (to the
number of 20) in their care. The health visitors paid 236 visits
to foster-mothers.
It is to be regretted that two foster children died during the
year. In both cases the inquests indicated that the cause of death
due to natural causes and no blame attached to the foster
mothers.
In one case the Council guaranteed the payment to a foster
Mother.
The Report on the Care of Children Committee (Curtis
Report) forwarded with Ministry of Health and Ministry of
Education Joint circular was considered.
The only part of this report applicable to the Council is that
re lating to child life protection.
The setting up of an "ad hoc" committee and the appointment
of a special executive officer, as recommended in the report, does
not seem to be a practical proposition having regard to the small
number of foster children in this borough. The further suggestion
of the constitution of a joint board for two or more areas will be
met when the National Health Service Act comes into operation,
when the administration of legislation regarding child life protection
will be transferred to the London County Council.
Premature Infants. —In accordance with Circular 20/44 of the
Ministry of Health, arrangements were made for information as to
the weight of infants to be given on the birth notification when
such weight was less than 5½ lbs.
Suitable equipment was also purchased so that it could be
loaned out if required. In addition, arrangements were made for
the services of a paediatrician to be available at the request of
general practitioners in such cases as was considered necessary.
His services were not called upon during 1946.