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Convalescent Home Treatment.—The arrangements for the
provision of Convalescent Home Treatment continue as before,
the mothers and children being recommended by the Medical Officers
of the various Centres and after investigation by the Committee are
referred to the I.C.A.A. or to the Public Assistance Committee
according to circumstances.
During the year 48 children were sent away for periods varying
from four weeks to three months, also 12 mothers with their babies
were provided with a month's convalescence at Littlestone-on-Sea.
Sterilised Maternity Outfits.—The same arrangements as
last year hold good and during the year 12 outfits were sold and 55
were given away.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—This is a preventable disease, and
even when it occurs its serious effects can be avoided by prompt
treatment. Immediately on receipt of a notification the case is visited
by the Health Visitor who continues to visit frequently to ensure that
the child receives proper treatment. If necessary arrangements are
made for the District Nurse to carry out the treatment, or if the
condition is severe, mother and child are removed to St. Margaret's
Hospital, Hampstead, a special Institution set apart by the London
County Council for the treatment of this disease.
Eighteen cases were notified and cured without impairment of
sight, with the exception of one case who subsequently died from
Pneumonia. Of the 18 cases 14 were treated at home and four were
removed to Hospital. In addition to notified cases of Ophthalmia
Neonatorum 12 babies with slight discharge from the eyes were
referred by the London County Council to the Public Health Department for supervision.
Minor Ailments.—The arrangements with St. John's Hospital
for the treatment of minor ailments continues and during the year
120 cases were referred chiefly on account of tonsils and adenoids,
circumcision, etc.
Home Nursing.—Children attending the various Centres who
are found to be in such a condition as to require special nursing at
home are referred to the various Nursing Associations operating in
the Borough, the Council paying If. per visit to the Queen's Nursing
Association and £50 per annum to the Ranyard Mission.
Other Health Activities.—The following continue their good
work in the Borough:—
Local Medical Practitioners' School Clinic.
I he Health Centre, Deptford Green.
Rachael McMillan Memorial Nursery School.
Charlton Park Open Air School.