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to save every young life, accidents, taking the word in its literal
sense or in its general sense, are bound to happen, but I do feel
that constant endeavour will result in still greater improvement.
Several of the reports contained references to the inadequate
housing accommodation of some of the families in which the
infantile deaths occurred, e.g., an infant dying from Enteritis
was one of a family of 7, all of whom had to sleep in one
room, and one infant whose death was due to suffocation,
belonged to a family of 6 who had to live and sleep in one
room. A further case was that of a baby who died front
Pneumonia, where adequate attention could not be given owing
to bad housing conditions.
A still further point to remember in connection with, the
subject of infantile mortality, is that in some instances at least,
the vitality of the infant is lessened owing to the poor nutritional
condition of the mother in consequence of unemployment of the
husband or other economic causes.
Convalescent Home Treatment. — Such cases as are
recommended by the Medical Officers in charge of the various
Welfare Centres as being in need of conv alescent home treatment
are in the first place dealt with by the Committee and then
referred to the Invalid Children's Aid Association to make the
necessary arrangements for such treatment. The I. C. A. A.
collect from the parents such proportion of the cosit as the
families' circumstances will allow and further help is obtained
from voluntary societies, the balance being borne by the Council.
A grant of £15 was received from the Greenwich Rotary Club
towards the cost of certain selected cases.
During the year 90 children have been sent away for
convalescence for periods varying from three weeks to six
months.
Arrangements were also made for a month's convalescence
for four mothers, together with their babies.
Minor Ailments.—Quite trilling minor ailments are dealt
with by the Health Visitor. Other cases requiring hospital
attention are dealt with by arrangement with St. John's Hospital,
Lewisham, to which Hospital the Council makes a contribution
of £50 per annum for this service.
Home Nursing.—Children found by the Health Visitors
to be in need of special nursing at their homes, are dealt with
by the various Nursing Associations in the Borough to whom
the Council make appropriate payment for such services.