View report page

50
February, 1938.—Emergency Obstetric Unit ("Flying Squad") approved on
recommendation by Dr. Freeman. "Flying Squad" based at University College
Hospital and available to medical practitioners and midwives in cases of urgent
necessity. It is believed that this is the first Obstetric "Flying Squad" to be
established in London and one of the first in the country.
July, 1938.—Reported to Council that 1,144 sunlight treatments had been given
at Scholefield Road during the spring quarter.
November, 1938.—Experimental ante-natal and post-natal evening clinic
established for provisional period of six months. Dr. Hirst in charge of the clinic.
January, 1939.—Estimate of £7,750 approved for acquisition of site 17-29,
Canonbury Road and 21, 21a and 22-25, Asteys Row by Maternity & Child Welfare
Committee for maternity and child welfare scheme to include day nursery, dental
clinic, sunlight clinic and T.B. dispensary.
May, 1939.—Council considered report from Maternity & Child Welfare
Committee regarding supervision of women undertaking the custody of children by
day for reward. Council agreed that a communication should be addressed to
M.P.'s for Islington urging legislation to bring these children under the supervision
of the child protection visitors the same way as foster children. (This is now being
incorporated in legislation under the Children's Bill, 1948.)
February, 1940.—Canonbury Housing scheme, including Health Centre for
maternity and child welfare activities, postponed indefinitely.
July, 1940.—National scheme for supply of milk free or at reduced cost to
expectant and nursing mothers and children under 5 introduced under control of
Ministry of Food.
December, 1941.—Scheme considered for provision of war-time Day Nurseries on
behalf of Minister of Health.
February, 1942.—Schemes for further Day Nurseries approved, including wartime
Day Nurseries at Hornsey Lane, Camden Road, Huntingdon Street, Clephane
Road, Plimsoll Road and Packington Street.
June, 1942.—Five Day Nurseries opened; two more due to be opened.
Daily Guardian Scheme authorised. Reported to Council that Islington is
first Borough in London to apply to the Ministry of Labour and National Service for
local operation of the scheme and the only Borough, apart from the City of
Birmingham, in which the Ministry have agreed that the whole administration subject
to Ministry reimbursement, shall be through the Maternity & Child Welfare
Department and Welfare Centres.
September, 1942.—Daily Guardian scheme—51 children being cared for under this
scheme.
October, 1942.—Seven war-time Day Nurseries opened and two others under
consideration.
June, 1943.—Canonbury Road and Legard Road opened as Day Nurseries.
Approval given for hutted Nursery at Mitford Road.
November, 1943.—12 Day Nurseries opened or about to be opened and scheme
extended to provide for 15 Nurseries.
December, 1944.—Maternity & Child Welfare Committee approved report from
Medical Officer of Health recommending that all Health Visitors hitherto employed
by Welfare Centres become members of the Borough Council's staff in order to end
division of Health Visitors into those employed by each Welfare Centre and those
employed by Borough Council. All Health Visitors in the Borough would thereby
have equal opportunity of carrying out all health visitor work. This was the most
important change in the organisation of the Health Visitor service since the beginning
of any maternity and child welfare scheme, voluntary or municipal, in the Borough.
February, 1945.—Care of illegitimate children:—Health Visitor seconded as
Special Health Visitor for problems arising out of illegitimacy.