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45
so satisfactory as the extension but there was no other alternative.
The medical officer in charge examines half the children each
week and prescribes special treatment as required, such as ultra
violet light, from the apparatus installed on the premises.
Applications for admission are made at the welfare centres in
order to insure that those most in need are accepted, and each
must obtain a recommendation from the health visiting staff of
the local welfare centre, who, naturally, have first-hand intimate
knowledge of the home conditions.
The administration is directed by an executive committee composed
of representatives of the voluntary subscribers and of the
Borough Council.
Developments and Changes in the Maternity and
Child Welfare Scheme during the Year
(i) Institutional provision for Mothers and Children.
One bed at the Zachary Merton Convalescent Home, Rustington,
maintained by the Borough Council, has been filled throughout the
whole period from the time the home was opened on the 28th April,
1937. The demand was greater than the accommodation could provide
and the Council therefore decided to maintain a second bed from
the 8th February, 1938. Each bed includes accommodation for
an infant and a toddler with the mother.
From the time the home opened until the end of December, 1938,
the beds have been kept full and have accommodated 60 mothers
with 56 babies and 15 toddlers. They usually stay for two weeks
and exceptionally for one month.
(ii) Free Meals.
The Council agreed with the Invalid Kitchens of London to pay,
with the consent of the Minister, a grant of £50 towards the
establishment expenses of a kitchen and the charges for meals to
expectant and nursing mothers, and children under the age of five