View report page

44
transfusion and patients recovered in all cases except one. In this instance the Unit
was called by her own doctor to a patient who had been delivered in a private nursing
home. She had been given transfusions in the nursing home, but it was considered
advisable to remove her to hospital where she had further repeated transfusions, but
unfortunately died the following day.
It is satisfactory to record that this most valuable life-saving service, approved
by the Borough Council early in 1938 and which has now been transferred to the
Regional Hospital Board, constitutes an essential part of the existing maternity
services.
Supply of Vitamin Preparations for Expectant Mothers and Children Under 5.
The four Welfare Centres in the Borough continued to act as Distributing
Centres on behalf of the Ministry of Food in connection with vitamin products in
the form of Cod Liver Oil Compound, Orange Juice, and Vitamin A and D Tablets.
Vitamins.
From information kindly supplied by the Islington Food Office, the take-up
of cod liver oil, etc., in the Borough was as follows:—
Cod Liver Oil 35.18 per cent.
Orange Juice 1.28 per cent.
Vitamins A and D 30.09 per cent.
It was agreed with the Food Office that the take-up was not as satisfactory as
it might be, and medical officers at Welfare Centres and health visitors were asked
to pay special attention as to whether mothers attending or visited were taking full
advantage of the supplies made available through the Ministry of Food.
It is thought that the availability of these special foods is a potential factor in
the health of mothers and children.
Invalid Children's Aid Association.
A grant of £65 was paid to the Invalid Children's Aid Association for their work
for Islington children under 5 years of age, for the period to 5th July, 1948.
Nursing in the Home.
A grant of £50 was paid to the North London District Nursing Association in
respect of the nursing of Islington children under 5 years of age in the home.
Daily Guardian Scheme.
Islington has the most extensive assisted Daily Guardian service of any Borough
in London. At the date of transfer there were 92 approved Daily Guardians on the
Register with accommodation for a total of 149 children. 84 of these were employed
as such at the 5th July and were caring for 132 children. The amount paid out in
subsidies by the Borough Council totalled £469 14s. Od.
The Guardians receive payment at the rate of 6s. a week at the Welfare Centre
only, in order to ensure that the child is seen by a doctor or Health Visitor. From
the number of children it will be seen that those cared for form the equivalent of
two larger size Day Nurseries.
Day Nurseries.
At the beginning of 1948 there were 8 Day Nurseries in operation. The number
of child places was 480.