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41
units, it was confidently anticipated that practically all
Hammersmith mothers wishing to be confined in an institution
would seek admission for their confinement.
Six part.time medical officers were engaged on Maternity
and Child Welfare work at the Infant Welfare Centres in
the Borough, and although the doctors were experienced
and capable there were many disadvantages in this part.
time service.
For these reasons and having regard to the relatively
high maternal and infant death.rates, I recommended that
the services provided at the Infant Welfare Centres and
the Ante.natal Clinics should be re.organised.
Whole.time officers are better able to secure co.operation
between the Council and the Voluntary Organisations
devoted to Public Health, Social and Maternity and Child
Welfare work.
On my recommendation the Council decided to appoint
two Assistant Medical Officers for Maternity and Child
Welfare work.
In view of the provision of this service by the Borough
Council, the annual grants to the Voluntary Associations
were revised and approved by the Ministry of Health.
The Assistant Medical Officers will commence their duties
on the 1st April, 1986.
I have also been in touch with Sir Frederick Menzies,
the Chief Medical Officer for the London County Council,
and Professor Young, of the Post.Graduate Medical School