View report page

27
Priority Utility Sheet Dockets for Expectant Mothers.
Board of Trade Priority Utility Sheet Dockets were issued by this
Department to expectant mothers, on receipt of a signed certificate from
a midwife stating that the patients were in need of sheets for home
confinement. A maximum of 3 Dockets was issued to each expectant
mother.
83 applications were received and 237 Dockets issued during the
half year.
Child Life Protection.
Up to 4th July, 143 visits were paid by health visitors to fostermothers
and foster-children in the Borough. On the 4th July, 1948,
the number of foster-mothers on the register was 4 and the number of
foster-children was 7. In addition the Eagle's Nest Foster Home,
33, Fitzjohns Avenue, can accommodate 28 children up to three years of
age.
Care of Premature Infants—Ministry of Health Circular 20/44.
Arrangements were made for the weight of each newly-born child
to be entered on the birth notification, so that early contact could be made
between the Health Visitor and the mothers of premature babies born
at home. Close liaison was also maintained with Hospitals, so that
-Health Visitors could follow up as soon as a premature infant was
discharged to its own home.
The following analysis of the premature births occurring in Hampstead .
up to 4th July, 1948, has been made (a " premature " is defined as any
baby whose birth weight is lbs. or less) :—
Premature births in Hampstead (including non-residents) : 109.
Premature births to Hampstead mothers (irrespective of place of
birth):—
(a) Born in hospital, etc., in Hampstead 25
(b) Born at home 14 63
(c) Born in hospital, etc., outside Hampstead 24
Of the 25 premature babies born in hospital, etc., in Hampstead,
4 died before discharge, and of the 14 born at home 2 died (in hospital)
and of the 24 born outside Hampstead, 10 died before discharge.
Care of Illegitimate Children—Ministry of Health Circular 2866 [revised).
In conjunction with other Metropolitan Boroughs, this Council made
an annual payment (on a rateable value basis) of £161 to the Moral
Welfare Organisations.
The Health Visitors and the Moral Welfare Workers were in close
co-operation when any assistance could be given either to unmarried
expectant mothers and/or illegitimate children. There were three
Voluntary Associations operating in the Borough during the half year.
Play Centres.
Play centres were begun in 1942, and have as their object educational
play for children who attend the welfare centres. "Only" children and
difficult children particularly, benefit from association with other children
in group activities.