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1930] 20
"We remain satisfied of the value of Light treatment in improving the
general health and vitality of children and in stimulating retarded growth. We
also find that children gain great benefit from a short course of Light treatment
in the convalescent stage of illness and we use the Clinic largely for this purpose,
as it is next to impossible to get these very young children into Convalescent
Homes."
"We are at present investigating the effect of 'Light' treatment in clearing
up persistent ear discharge."
"Expectant Mothers.—Expectant mothers derive real benefit from 'Light'
treatment. We find apart from the general feeling of well-being experienced by
the mothers, that 'Light' treatment has a good effect on the toxic conditions of
pregnancy."
"Vomiting of pregnancy can be alleviated and the depression so frequently
met with in the early months of pregancy is greatly relieved."
"We have also found it is of use in septic skin conditions (and this is
important in view of the approaching' confinement) and in cases of asthma."
"Out of the whole number of expectant mothers to attend, 66 per cent. were
very much improved. In assessing improvement we arrive at our conclusions
largely from the voluntary statements of the mothers."
"Ailing Mothers.—Attendance of ailing mothers is, as might be expected, not
quite so regular or satisfactory. Of the total number of ailing mothers only about
half completed their course of treatment. The results of treatment were good in
66.5 per cent. of cases. Most of the ailing mothers are suffering from general
debility following confinement and lactation, and if they could attend more regularly
we are satisfied that a larger percentage of cases would show improvement."
"Failing- Lactation.—We regret that our results in re-establishment of lactation
are disappointing. The mother with failing lactation is the mother on whom
the difficulty of attending presses most heavily, but we feel that the results would
be better if we could get these mothers to attend more often. 21 mothers were
treated—eight only completed the course."
"Unemployment and consequent financial stress have been marked features of
1930-31. This has probably had some influence in reducing the number of attendances,
both of mothers and children."
"The cost of 'Light' treatment is small and is assisted in necessitous cases,
but the cost of coming to the Centre remains, and this may have a deterrent
effect."
"Ante-Natal Clinics.—The attendances at these Clinics have been so numerous
that one extra clinic, and sometimes two, have had to be held weekly."
" 'Home-Helps.'—The North Centre employs 5 'Home-Helps,' who are paid
30/- per week, and they are employed at the Centre when not at a case. Their
services are restricted to one mother and they are not resident as a rule. Their
length of attendance is from 7 to 21 days, and they attend confinement cases, ailing
mothers or in an emergency. If necessary they are available before delivery.
The scheme is not self-supporting, the Centre bearing the balance of the cost, but