View report page

108
question of extending existing arrangements for the provision
of convalescent home treatment, and we hope to submit proposals
with regard to both these matters for the Council's consideration
and approval at a later date.
In the meantime, we are of opinion that the Council should give its
approval to the following proposals, namely (a) that an additional
session for toddlers should be held at those centres where the
voluntary committees have expressed their preparedness to make
the necessary arrangements; and (b) that provision should be made
for a free and aided supply, during the seven winter months of the
year, of cod liver oil for expectant and nursing mothers and infants
attending the welfare centres.
With regard to (b), as mentioned by the Medical Officer in his
report, the Council at its meeting on the 22nd December, 1932,
negatived a similar proposal, but in bringing the matter again
before the Council we would emphasise the fact that, both for the
prevention and cure of rickets and to insure a proper development
of the teeth, the diet of pregnant and nursing mothers and of
infants and young children must contain a sufficient supply of
vitamin D, and this can be provided, for those cases where, for
financial reasons, nutritious foods cannot be purchased, by the
regular administration of cod liver oil.
If effect is given to the foregoing proposals the estimated annual
cost to the Council will be for (a) £228 and for (b) £250.
We are in agreement with the suggestion made by the Medical
Officer of Health that the Ministry should be approached to remove
the restriction upon the supply of free milk to certain toddlers,
and to an extension of the arrangements for the supply of cheap
milk to schools to include welfare centres.
We have expressed our thanks to the Medical Officer of Health
for the comprehensive report he has submitted to us on the Minister's
circular and for the able manner in which he has assisted us in our
consideration thereof.
We recommend—
(a) That the Council do approve the holding of the following
additional sessions either for toddlers alone or for toddlers and
infants together at the welfare centres set out hereunder,
subject to the satisfactory conclusion of arrangements for the
treatment of minor ailments.
Weekly session West Norwood Mothers' and Babies'
Welfare Centre.