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11
Convalescent Homes for Children under Five Years.
Arrangements are made through the Invalid Children's Aid Association
for children under five years of age to be sent to Convalescent
Homes, on the special recommendations of the Doctors at the Welfare
Centres.
During 1946, 30 Hampstead children were sent away through this
service.
Unfortunately, particularly during the summer months, the demand
greatly exceeds the vacancies available, with the consequence that
children may have to wait for at least a month.
The Borough Council contributes £10 per year to the Invalid Children's
Aid Association in respect of this service.
Consulting Obstetricians.
During 1946 no call was made on the services of a Consultant under
the Borough Council Scheme.
Supply of Milk and Food.
Under the Borough Council Scheme 10 packets of Proprietary Brands
of Dried Milk were issued free to one infant during 1946. In addition
23,077 packets of Dried Milk were sold at full cost. Other food and
medicaments to total value of £630 were also sold.
Supply of Vitamins, etc.
By arrangement with the local Ministry of Food Office, fruit juices,
etc., have been distributed at the Welfare Centres and Ante-natal
Clinics.
Priority Utility Sheet Dockets for Expectant Mothers.
Board of Trade Priority Utility Sheet Dockets are issued by this
Department to expectant mothers, on receipt of a signed certificate from
a midwife stating that the patients are in need of sheets for home
confinement. A maximum of 3 Dockets can be issued to each expectant
mother.
During 1946, 197 applications were received and 542 Dockets issued,
as compared with 200 Dockets issued to 77 applicants in 1945.
Child Life Protection.
During the year, 276 visits were paid by health visitors to fostermothers
and foster-children in the Borough. On the 31st December,
1946, the number of foster-mothers on the register was 4, and the number
of foster-children was 26. (These figures include a Nursing Home accommodating
18 foster-children). In addition the Eagle's Nest Foster Home,
33, Fitzjohns Avenue, can accommodate 28 children up to three years ot
age.
Care of Premature Infants—Ministry of Health Circular 20/44.
Arrangements have been made for the weight of each newly-born
child to be entered on the birth notification, so that early contact can
be made between the Health Visitor and the mothers of premature babies
born at home. Close liaison is also maintained with Hospitals, so that
Health Visitors can follow up as soon as a premature infant is discharged
to its own home.