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17
1927
REPORT OF WORK OF VOLUNTARY CENTRES.
A table, which summarises the work of the Centres for the year ending 31st
March, 1928, is given on page 20. It will be noted that the year for the
Centres ends on this particular date, the other matter in this annual report
being for the year ending 31st December, 1927.
The Conjoint Committee of the Centres during the year suffered the loss of
one who had taken a very keen interest for years in infant welfare work. The
late Mr. Henry Mills, J.P., L.C.C., an ex-Mayor of Islington, was also VicePresident
of the South and West Centres. Owing to his influence and great
interest in the West Islington Welfare Centre, the National Sunday League presented,
it may be remembered, that Centre with their artificial " Sunlight " lamp.
North Centre.—The various departments of the Centre include (1) two antenatal
clinics weekly for expectant mothers; (2) one clinic weekly for ailing
mothers; (3) ten post-natal clinics weekly (consultations for children up to five
years of age); (4) visiting (professional and voluntary) daily in the homes;
(5) morning callers daily (mothers that come for advice); (6) two dental sessions
weekly, and dental club; (7) two massage clinics; (8) " Light " clinics daily—
these were run on the same lines as set out in last year's report. This clinic
was, unfortunately, closed for seven months during re-building operations; (9)
four wards—three wards for ailing children under two years of age and one for
three mothers and their babies; (10) sewing classes weekly; (11) " Health Talks "
during the week; (12) Home helps and Home Help Club and Convalescent Fund.
There are, in addition, a Mothers' Committee and a Fathers' Committee, comprised
of the parents of the children attending the Centre.
Besides the other activities of the Centre, as mentioned, the statistical records
of this Centre call for very special comment. It is impossible in a short review
to deal adequately with all the information which is put forward after very
careful investigation and tabulating. For this detailed information, which is of
great interest and use, reference should be made to the Centre's Annual Report.
" The Light " clinic records show that 192 children and 59 mothers, a
total of 251, were dealt with, the attendances being: Children, 2,179; mothers,
499; and, in addition, 23 were rejected at consultation; the total attendances at
the clinic were thus 2,701.
The Wards contain twelve beds for children under two years of age and six
beds, which accommodate three mothers with their babies—a total of eighteen
beds. The number of mothers and babies resident during the year were 144 and
the average days of residence was 35.33.
Convalescence, etc.:Arrangements were made for convalescence or holidays
in respect of 29 mothers and 31 children. Several of these were assisted to seaside
or country through the Women's Country Holiday Fund.
New Buildings: The new buildings, which were opened by H.R.H. The
Duchess of York, on February 28th, 1928, are only a portion of a scheme which
is intended to extend the full length of the gardens of the four existing houses.
The ground floor of the portion now built comprises two large and well-equipped
Light " treatment rooms and a large room, which is the main assembly
hall. Above these rooms, on the first floor, are three doctors' rooms, with a
large waiting room adjoining each of them, and on the second floor there are
nine nurses' bedrooms. It was found necessary to carry out some alterations
on the old houses meanwhile, and heating apparatus has been installed in two
of them; the material, however, will be used when the re-building is carried out.