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100
Milk, Etc., Scheme.—In March, 1934, the Public Assistance
Department of the London County Council informed the Borough
Council that in connection with the supply of extra nourishments
under the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme, arrangements have
now been completed:—
(1) To extend the scheme to provide that nourishment over
and above the normal diet and necessary on medical grounds
may similarly be supplied for delicate children, attending the
Metropolitan Borough Councils' Maternity and Child Welfare
Centres, whose parents are in receipt of out-relief.
(2) To modify the scheme by the deletion of the provision
that a Relieving Officer must consult the District Medical Officer
upon each recommendation as to extra nourishment received
from a Maternity and Child Welfare Centre before the submission
of the recommendation to the district sub-committee,
on the clear understanding (a) that the district sub-committees
and (in cases of sudden or urgent necessity) the Relieving
Officers may consult the appropriate District Medical Officers
* whenever in any case they consider such a course desirable, and
(b) that the District Medical Officer shall be consulted in those
cases in which medical relief is being afforded to the family.
This concession has removed a long-standing grievance and has
been greatly appreciated because formerly poor persons in receipt of
extra nourishment from the Borough Maternity and Child Welfare
Committee had this fact taken into consideration when they applied
to the Local Public Assistance Committee for relief.
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 78 children were sent away for periods varying
from four weeks to three months, also 9 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 15 outfits were sold and 38
given free.
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