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3.
Care of Premature Infants.
In March 1944 the Ministry of Health issued Circular 20/44
which dealt with the care of premature infants and the problem of
neo-natal mortality. The suggestion that where the weight at birth
is 5½ lb. or less a note to that effect should be recorded on the
birth card, has been put into operation.
Out of 28 premature births notified, only in 8 cases did the
confinement take place at home, and in no instance was a call made
for extra equipment.
The service of a Home Help was provided in 1 case.

Care of Illegitimate Children.
Towards the end of the year the Council agreed to participate
in a scheme formulated by the Metropolitan Borough Councils, which
provides for the co-operation with and the reinforcing of the work
of existing voluntary moral welfare associations.
A further proposal provides for the services of Poster-mothers
to undertake the care of children up to five years of age not on the
school roll.
Home Helps.
The Council's Home Help Scheme provides for the services of
one full-time woman and a panel of women available to perform the
duties when called upon. Generally speaking, there has been a shortage
of women of a suitable type, one reason being the attraction of
higher wages paid to factory workers. In spite of this, however,
the scheme has worked satisfactorily, and has been greatly appreciated.
Home Helps were provided in 56 cases. The total payments
received towards the cost of such provision was £66.
Foot Clinics.
The attendances at the Centres continue to show a marked
increase. The total number of treatments was 10,253, as compared
with 8,052 for the previous year. The average number of cases
dealt with each day was 35.
The smooth running of the Clinics was somewhat disturbed during
the months of June, July and August, owing to the flying-bomb
attacks, and for this reason it was found necessary to transfer the
Charlton House Clinic, owing to extensive damage, to another Centre.