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1937] 84
Judging by the steady flow of cases referred to Dr. Creak, there is no dearth
of material needing psychological investigation in the Maternity and Child Welfare
Clinics. It is hoped that, in many of these cases, a friendly talk with the mother
will prevent the difficulty becoming permanent.
The regular Maternity and Child Welfare work is shown in the table of statistics,
in addition to which much social work was done, such as arrangements for holidays
for 100 mothers and 238 children. Many of these were sent to bungalows rented for
the purpose during the summer months.
Help was also given at Christmas in the form of parcels of groceries and coal
tickets, and during the year 1,610 dinners were provided for expectant and nursing
mothers and 894 for toddlers.
During the summer delicate children were referred by our Medical Officers for
garden treatment, i.e., they attended every morning and played in the garden,
under supervision, from 9.30 to 12.30 p.m., being gradually undressed as the weather
permitted in order to obtain the full benefit from the air and sunshine. Very
satisfactory therapeutic results were obtained and the children responded not only
with improved health but by improved behaviour as a result of happy occupation,
kindly discipline and friendly companionship.
WEST ISLINGTON INFANT WELFARE CENTRE,
Centre, 42 & 44, Richmond Avenue, N.l.
Branch, held at St. Luke's Mission Hall, Goodinge Road, N.7.
The routine work at the Centre and Branch has been well maintained with a
steady increase in attendances, and visits paid.
The re-establishment of the Ultra-Violet Light Clinic during the winter months
is proving of great value and the attendances are good, with a noticeable improvement
in the general health of the children treated, particularly those suffering from
catarrhal conditions.
In an effort to keep the toddler in attendance after the arrival of the new baby,
a special birthday examination—in addition to any ordinary attendance—is now given
by the Doctors and the mothers are encouraged to bring the toddler for this yearly
overhaul. A birthday case sheet is used on that day and it is hoped to have a
valuable record of each child when it leaves to attend school. The scheme is still
in its infancy but the response is good.
Dinners for necessitous expectant and nursing mothers continue to be provided
and are greatly appreciated by those mothers whose home circumstances permit
of their daily attendance. The consequent improvement in health is most marked.