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19 [1933
The Clephane Cottage for the tired and worn-out mother who can have a short
rest-holiday there with her child, and the beneficial effect of a short stay at the
seaside at Miss Fleetwood's Home, are both emphasised in the medical reports.
86 mothers and 90 children went to Clephane Cottage, Flamstead, 40 children to
Miss Fleetwood's Home, while 7 mothers and 12 children were accommodated
elsewhere.
The advantage of "iron" as a tonic both for mothers and for children is being
increasingly realised and anaemia is much less often met with than formerly.
It is commented on that a fixed bed-time for the child appears to be most
difficult to achieve, as is also a rest during the day for the mother.
In the stress of the times, loss of employment, etc., the cases requiring "assisted
milk" have increased.
A move was made near the end of the Centre year from the South Islington
(Pro Patria) Day Nursery premises, where a Branch was held, to 100, Canonbury
Road.
During the year there were 38 ordinary Dental treatment sessions, 12 with
"gas," making a total of 50. 113 mothers made 281 attendances, while 82 children
who attended made 120 attendances.
56 "Health Talks " were given during the year.
East Centre.—In the medical report it is asserted that progress of the work
of the Centre in general has been made. Attendances at the clinic have been well
maintained. Emphasis is laid on the matter of teaching regarding the care of
"teeth," especially concerning the mothers'. Although they may have their
children's teeth looked after, they do not seem to recognise that they require treatment
themselves. Severe rheumatism and anaemia and chronic poisoning with
its general lowering effect on health are so often traced to septic gums and dead
teeth.
As in other Centres, the effects on the health of unemployment are noted.
Facilities were afforded at this Centre in an investigation in regard to tonsils
and adenoids by an Investigator on behalf of the Board of Education.
Mothers at this Centre are specially helped to be interested in breast feeding
and management. 188 attended and the number of "Test feeds" given were
606, while the number of Sessions held were 54, and there was a total attendance
of 300, the average attendance being 5.5.
West Centre.—The Medical Officer reports that while the numbers generally
remain much the same as last year, certain Departments, such as "Massage" and
" Morning Callers " show a large increase.
The children for "Light" treatment, owing to the discontinuance of the
"Sunlight" lamp, are sent to other "Sunlight" Clinics, more especially to The
Camden Road Institute of "Ray " Therapy.
The number of admissions to the Wards is considerably lower than the previous
year, but, on the other hand, the average length of stay and gain in weight is much
increased, so that these two sets of figures are said to balance each other.
The Mothers' Club reached its highest total since the Club was started. There
were 743 attendances. Practical instruction was given by the Superintendent and
the staff.