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furnished to the Ministry of Health on patients who receive this
service. During the year, 3 patients have received such assistance.
Treatment Centres and Clinics.—In January 1937 the
Ante-Natal and Infant Welfare Centres at the Borough Hall were
closed down. This has resulted in a certain amount of overcrowding
of the other Centres, particularly the Creek Road and
Chevening Road Centres. At the present time the Maternity and
Child Welfare Committee have under consideration the establishment
of a new Centre when a suitable site can be found. The
evacuation of the Borough Hall premises also necessitated the
closure of the Artificial Sunlight Centre. It is hoped that in the
near future suitable alternative arrangements may be made.
Tables relating to the centres will be found on pages 29 to 31.
Home Helps.—Reference has been made in previous reports
to the fact that if these ancillary services were established the
Council's Maternity and Child Welfare scheme would be made fully
comprehensive. With the coming into force of the Mid wives Act
in January, 1938, it is felt that this service will become a very
necessary one, and it is hoped that the Maternity and Child Welfare
Committee may review their previous decision in this matter. As
a case in point it may be mentioned that recently an application
was made to this Department by an expectant mother for this
service because of her impending admission to hospital for emergency
treatment. Unfortunately as we were unable to supply
the services of a home help this mother was unable to take advantage
of the treatment offered, with consequent detriment to lier condition.
Toddlers' Clinics.—These have been well attended during,
the year, but owing to the fact that the Borough Hall Centre had
to be closed it was found impossible to extend these Clinics in the way
anticipated.
Foot Clinic.—During the year 4,115 attendances were
recorded, representing an income of £205 15s. Od.
Ten sessions are held per week, half of these being evening
sessions; two fully qualified chiropodists are in attendance. The
Clinics are open to men, women and children at a charge of 1/- per
attendance. This service has again been very popular and arrangements
are being made to institute an appointment system, and so
obviate the period of waiting at the Clinics, about which complaints
are being received. At the present time this is unavoidable.
Ultra Violet Light Treatment.—The Ultra Violet Light
Centre continues to do good work as heretofore. Given under
medical supervision and by experts trained in its use, there is no
question that Ultra Violet Ray treatment has a very definite place