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14
Throughout the year almost every centre was handicapped by
the restrictions presented by their old, worn or inadequate
premises. The continued postponement of any plans for new
buildings is having the effect of lowering the value of the work
done, but when new premises are possible the value of making
welfare work one of the activities to be housed in the Health
Centres, thereby linking it closely with the general practitioners'
service, will not be overlooked. Meanwhile the existing premises
barely suffice for the minimum requirements and can provide no
accommodation for the dental, foot, sunlight, and many other
services which are needed.
The standard of health of both mothers and children appears
to have been maintained, if not improved, although proof of this
is not statistically available. The infantile mortality rate of 32
(35) compared with 51 ten years ago and the neonatal mortality
(death before the age of one month) rate of 14 (15) compared with
22 ten years ago are more than mere indications of the improvement
which has taken place.
The evacuation scheme for confinements to take place outside
London was brought to an end in the middle of the year after 380
had been sent away.
Child Life Protection
447 visits and revisits were made to foster mothers and nurse
children.
Foster mothers on Register at 31.12.46 28 (52)
Nurse children on Register at 31.12.46 28 (34)
Many inquirers are sent away unsatisfied because of the lack of
women willing to become foster mothers owing to more remuneration
and less arduous employment being readily available.
The Council's child life protection visitor retired during the
year and the work which had fallen still further was divided
between the four municipal health visitors and no new appointment
was made.
Care of Premature Infants
A space is provided in the notification of birth card for the
insertion of the child's weight, and all cases born in the district
weighing 5£ lbs. or under are followed up specially until they are one
month old.
Close co-operation is maintained between the hospitals and the
public health department in order that on returning home the