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1929] 18
REPORT OF WORK OF VOLUNTARY CENTRES.
To summarise this work for the year ending 31st March, 1930, a Table has
been added at the end of this Section.
It might be noted here that this is the last year in which the Ministry pay,
directly, grants to the individuai Centres. From the 1st April, 1930, under the
provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929, the Centres come, in finance, more
directly in touch with the Borough Council inasmuch as they will receive the grant
formerly paid by the Ministry of Health from the Borough Council.
It is important to remember that the Centre year ends with March, 1930,
while the other matter in this Annual Report is for the calendar year.
In February a communication was received from the Secretary of the Medical
Branch of the Board of Education, on the work of this Branch of the Board of
Education, on Adenoids and Tonsils. Its Committee had during the past four
years been investigating the circumstances of origin and the effect of adenoids
and enlarged tonsils amongst children of school age and had desired that further
investigation should be pursued in the subject during the earliest years of school
life. For this purpose it was necessary to carry out a following-up enquiry at a
number of Infant Welfare Centres. I approached our four Voluntary Centres
with a view to ascertaining if facilities could be given for this part of the research
work, and, after consultation with their Medical Officers, the Centres were able to
make suitable arrangements. Similar facilities for an investigation into the condition
of the eyes of the pre-school child have been provided for two or three years
at the North Centre.
As reported on formerly, the Conjoint Committee of the Centres meet quarterly
for the purpose of co-ordinating the work of the various Centres and the Maternity
and Child Welfare work of the Borough Health Department.
North Centre.—The Minister of Health, under date 13th July, upon the report
of Dr. Cameron, a Medical Officer of the Department, expressed appreciation with
the high standard of the work maintained at the Centre and of the ability and
devotion displayed in its organisation.
From the report of the Centre it is noted that there is a steady increase in all
the Departments of its work. In particular it might be noted, the establishment of a
third weekly ante-natal clinic and some extension of the work of the " Light "
Department, the treatment having been found of special value to the mothers in
cases of malaise and depression.
In the ante-natal work there has been, quite possibly owing to the prominence
now given to maternal mortality, an increasing number of midwives seeking closer
touch with the Ante-natal Department of the Centre.
In the propaganda work of the North Centre may be noted lectures during
"Health Week " on the "Hygienic Disposal of Refuse." Practical demonstrations
were given during the winter in cooking; these were well attended. Meals,
as provided for children in the wards of this Centre, are often displayed as a
demonstration of the quality and quantity of food suitable for a toddler.
Under the auspices of the Mothers' and Fathers' Committee lectures on
Smallpox and Vaccination, Poisons, the Unconscious Patient, and Severe
Haemorrhage were given.
Dr. Sigrid Pearson, who conducted the Eye Investigation on behalf of the
Board of Education, very kindly offered to hold an Eye Clinic for children attending
the Centre.