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In addition, the equipment already used by the District Nursing
Associations for the nursing of premature infants born at home has
been supplemented by certain items provided by the Borough Council
and loaned to the Associations, i.e.—rubber hot-water bottles, special
feeding bottles, mucus catheters, etc.
The following analysis of the premature births occurring in Hampstead
in 1946 has been made (a " premature " is defined as any baby whose
birth weight is 5£ lbs. or less): —
Premature births in Hampstead (including non-residents): 146.
Premature births to Hampstead mothers (irrespective of place of
birth): —
(a) Born in hospital, etc., in Hampstead 76
(b) Born at home 16 127
(c) Born in hospital, etc., outside Hampstead 35
Of the 76 premature babies born in hospital, etc., in Hampstead, eight
died before discharge, and of the 16 born at home six died (one at home,
five in hospital), and of the 35 born outside Hampstead, four died before
discharge.
. The seriousness of the problem of the Premature Birth will be
appreciated when it is pointed out that of the 57 deaths of Hampstead
infants under one year, no less than 18 were in respect of prematures.
Further consideration of this problem will be made by the Committee
during the forthcoming year.
Care of Illegitimate Children—Ministry of Health Circular 2866 (revised).
In conjunction with other Metropolitan Boroughs, this Council continues
to make its annual payment (on a rateable value basis) of £161 to
the Moral Welfare Organisations.
The Health .Visitors and the Moral Welfare Workers are in close cooperation
when any assistance can be given either to unmarried expectant
mothers and/or illegitimate children. There are three Voluntary Associations
operating in the Borough whose work during the year is analysed
below: —
(a) London Diocesan Council for Moral Welfare Work:
There were 29 cases referred to this Body, 17 by the Borough
Council and 12 from New End Hospital. These were dealt
with as follows: —
Ten returned to relatives, one married, five remained in
situations until the birth of the baby, two went to
Institutions (being unsuitable cases for Mother and Baby
Homes), 11 were accommodated in Pre-natal Hostels.
(b) Westminster Catholic Social Welfare Committee:
Six cases were referred to this Committee, of which three went
to Special Homes, two remained in situations until confined,
one was boarded out.
(c) Jewish Association for the Protection of Girls, Women and
Children :
Three cases were referred to this Association and were
accommodated in Homes of Voluntary Organisations, and one
case refused this assistance.