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In 1924 the Ministry of Health issued a Circular calling
attention to the number of maternal deaths which occur each
year in this Country, and pointing out the importance of educational
measures and supervision during the ante-natal period, and
the necessity for the provision of beds for maternity cases.
In Lewisham we can congratulate ourselves on being fully
alive to the situation, being one of the first municipalities to
establish a Maternity Home and Clinics to which expectant
mothers could attend for advice and treatment. The value of
this foresight is no doubt reflected in our low maternal mortality.
Milk Assistance Scheme.—The Council's Scheme for the
provision of milk to infants and expectant and nursing mothers
was continued during the year, although there was a considerable
decrease in the applications. The number of families to whom
grants were made was 446, compared with 539 in 1924. 809
orders were issued for fresh milk for periods of 4 weeks, the
majority of giants being for one pint per day. 4,753 lbs. of
dried milk were issued free or at a cost .of 6d. per lb. The
expenditure on the Scheme during the financial year was approximately
£650.
During the year 9,861 lbs. of dried milk were issued at
cost price to families to whom, in the opinion ,of the Health
Visitor, the ordinary retail price was prohibitive.