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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.
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 1947 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) : 139.
Premature births to Hampstead mothers (irrespective of place of
birth):—
(a) Born in hospital, etc., in Hampstead 37
(b) Born at home 12 93
(c) Born in hospital, etc., outside Hampstead 44
Of the 37 premature babies born in hospital, etc., in Hampstead, 7
died before discharge, and of the 12 born at home 2 died (at home)
and of the 44 born outside Hampstead, 6 died before discharge.
The seriousness of the problem of the Premature Birth will be
appreciated when it is pointed out that of the 51 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 con¬tinues
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 co¬operation
when any assistance can be given either to unmarried expectant
mothers and/or illegitimate children. There are three Voluntary Associa¬tions
operating in the Borough whose work during the year is analysed
below :—
(a) London Diocesan Council for Moral Welfare Work :
There were 26 cases referred to this Body, 10 by the Borough
Council and 16 from New End Hospital. These were dealt,
with as follows :—
Three returned to relatives, 1 went to friends, 3
went to Institutions (being unsuitable cases for Mother
and Baby Homes), 19 were accommodated in Pre-natal
Hostels.
(b) Westminster Catholic Social Welfare Committee :
10 cases were referred to this Committee, of which 3 were
repatriated to Ireland, 3 obtained situations with their babies,
1 returned to relatives, 2 babies were adopted and 1 was
cared for by a foster mother.
(c) Jewish Association for the Protection of Girls, Women and
Children :
One case was referred to this Association and was accommo¬dated
in a Nursing Home. The child was adopted.