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REHABILITATION OF MOTHERS (MOTHERCRAFT UNIT)
The Council uses the Violet Melchett Mothercraft Unit for the care of mothers and
babies with breast feeding difficulties and dietetic upset, for instance, where breast
feeding has to be established or where the baby is not thriving because of prematurity
or persistent vomiting. The normal period of training in this unit is four to six
weeks. A weekly charge is made according to the financial circumstances of the
parents. Only one mother and baby were sent to this unit for training during 1965.
RECUPERATIVE HOLIDAYS
Recuperative holidays are provided on medical recommendation for adults who have
recently been under medical treatment for a specific condition and who need rest,
fresh air and good food but no medical or nursing care. Persons in need of regular
supervision and organised nursing care require convalescence which is the responsibility
of the appropriate Regional Hospital Board. Arrangements are also made
for expectant nursing mothers and children under five years not attending school.
Recommendations for recuperative holidays for school children are referred to the
Inner London Education Authority for placing.
A weekly charge is made according to the financial circumstances for adults and
there is a small charge for children under five not attending school.
Recuperative holidays arranged by the Council during 1965 were as follows:—

"RISK" AND "HANDICAP" REGISTERS
The Department keeps a register of children under five years of age at risk of developing
physical or mental defects and also keeps a record of children deemed
handicapped.
The "At Risk" or "Observation" register is designed to provide supervision for
those specially liable infants where abnormal pregnancy, delivery or puerperium
has been noted or when deviation from the normal is suspected. This "screening"
enables therapeutic or remedial measures to be applied, thus preventing or modifying
gross defects. The initial information is obtained from birth notifications, pediatric
departments of hospitals, general Practitioners, clinic doctors, health visitors or
other sources.
When a handicap is confirmed the child is transferrred from the "At Risk" to the
"Handicapped Register". In the fourth or fifth year of life, the handicapped child is
assessed as to educational needs so that suitable education or training can be planned.
At this stage close liaison is maintained with the Education Officer, head teachers of
ordinary and special schools, superintendents of hospital schools, etc.
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