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19 [1929
As reported on last year, the " Home Helps " employed by this Centre
number five. They go to homes during the confinements to undertake the household
management, the cost being met partly by the organisation of the "Home
Help Club" at the Centre. The appreciation and the demand for this service is
shown when the number of homes thus provided for is mentioned, namely, 252.
From the report of the "Light" Department, apart from the "Light"
treatment given as a preventive of rickets, to create a condition to resist infectious
disease, and as a holiday substitute in the sunless months of the year, it is noted
that definite cases of rickets, cases showing poor muscular tone, enlarged glands
and a few cases of asthma, and, in skin complaints some cases of eczema, have
shown great improvement. It has been found that cod-liver oil alone, without the
" Light " treatment, has not, in the cases at this Centre, given such rapid results.
Reference has been made previously to the use of "Light" for expectant
mothers. 77 received this course. In addition to these, 156 Ailing Mothers
derived benefit from the "Light," and in considering this it must not be forgotten
that it is no easy matter for such a mother to attend regularly three times a week.
Infant Welfare Wards, for mothers and babies.—The number resident during
the year was 146, and, in addition, 53 cases were taken for supervision during the
day, returning home at night, making a total of 199 dealt with. As regards
length of stay, the average number of days was 40.5, the maximum 188 and
minimum 1.
This Centre has for many years been a "Mecca" for "pilgrims" from all
parts of the world who come seeking information on Maternity and Child Welfare
Centre work ; many of these arrive in parties.
South Centre.—The formal opening of the extension of this Centre, which
was dealt with fully in last year's report, took place on the 10th June, by H.R.H.
Princess Mary, Viscountess Harewood. The enlarged premises have proved a
great success, every Department showing an increase in work.
,The increased numbers owing to the facilities provided have been expeditiously
dealt with, and the clerical and administrative work have gone smoother by this
better accommodation.
Extra fortnightly Ante-natal Sessions were started in May, and this has
enabled the doctors to see a steadily increasing number of expectant and ailing
mothers.
Additional Dental Sessions were started in June.
As regards the Canonbury Branch, the consent of the Ministry of Health and
the Borough Council to an extra consultation here was obtained, and accordingly
commencement was made in March. There has been also increase in the work
at the Duncan Terrace Branch.
It is noticed in the medical reports that there has been a marked increase in
the number of toddlers who have received surgical treatment for tonsils and
adenoids, and, while the health of the children was affected by the Measles
epidemic, apart from this there had not been much serious illness.