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25
Home Nursing.—Children attending the various Centres who
were found to be in such a condition as to require special nursing at
home were referred to the various Nursing Associations operating
in the Borough. The Council paid 1/- a visit to the Queen's Nursing
Association, and 2/2d. per visit to the Ranyard Mission in regard to
such services.
The total number of cases referred from the Centres was 86 at
a cost to the Council of £44 17s. 2d.
Home Helps Service.—This service now comprises the
original Home Helps Scheme for confinement cases and Domestic
Helps for providing assistance in cases of illness and the aged and
infirm.
The Maternity and Child Welfare Clerk acted as Organiser and
was generally responsible for dealing with and interviewing
applicants, collecting the fees, and arranging for the service of the
Home Helps.
All cases desiring financial assistance were considered by a
Sub-Committee of the Maternity and Child Welfaer Committee and
assessed according to the scale formulated by the Metropolitan
Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee.
Altogether in the first 6 months of the year Home Helps were
provided in 204 cases, 111 of which were for illness or elderly and
infirm cases.
The duration of stay for confinement cases was two weeks
except in a few instances where this was extended on medical
grounds.
Arrangements continued for providing regular assistance to be
given to the larger of the several Almshouses in the district.
One Home Help was attached to each group, putting in three
or four hours two or three days a week as occasion demanded.
Only a nominal charge was made in these cases.
Child Life Protection.—The supervision of foster children
and the homes of foster mothers was carried out by the Health
Visitors who made 69 visits during the year.
The number of foster mothers on the register at the end of the
half year was 19 and the number of children 19.
Care of Illegitimate Children.—The Council continued to
assist financially Moral Welfare Associations in connection with
their work for the care of illegitimate children. The Health Visitor
also co-operated with the Association when called upon.
Care of Premature Infants.—In accordance with the
Ministry of Health Circular 20/44, doctors and nurses notifying
births of children were requested to inform the Medical Officer of
Health of birth weights.