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Maternity Beds: 89 women were delivered in the beds reserved at St. Mary's Hospital. No case of puerperal
infection was notified. There were three stillbirths and no deaths within 10 days of birth.
Extra Nourishment: The Council's scheme has been amended by the substitution of the scale applicable to
the National Milk Scheme for that hitherto used. 72 new applications were received, of which 69 were granted.
Approximate expenditure, including ancillary foods, medicines, etc., £73 10s. 0d.
Convalescence: Two mothers were sent to convalescent homes, and 2 children were sent away under arrangements
with the Invalid Children's Aid Association.
Child Life Protection: 273 visits and inspections were made. At the close of the year the Register contained
the names of 17 persons, who had charge of 24 children. No legal proceedings were necessary. The Council's
scheme of guaranteed payments to foster mothers was utilised in one instance.
Daily Guardians: 14 persons were registered for the care of 19 children. At the end of the year the Register
contained the names of 45 Guardians who had charge of 56 children.
Perambulator Scheme : Full advantage continued to be taken of these facilities, the number of perambulators
available for hire being 76 (including 3 twin perambulators).
Care of Illegitimate Children: Following the issue of Ministry of Health Circular 2866 (Revised), this subject
received the careful consideration of the Council and the resulting proposals were submitted to the Ministry.
These include the existing scheme of guaranteed payments to Foster Mothers, with an increase in the weekly
rates payable to 17s. 6d. for children not exceeding one year of age and 15s. Od. for children from 1 year to 5
years ; the provision of a hostel for women in the late stages of pregnancy and immediately after confinement,
and the subsequent care of mother and infant; financial assistance to voluntary welfare organisations on a basis of
rateable value as suggested by the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Joint Committee; and the welfare generally
of unmarried mothers.
With regard to the Minister's suggestion for the appointment of a special Welfare Worker, it was thought
desirable that for a period of twelve months the Council's Health Visitors should undertake this work in their
respective districts under the supervision and direction of the Superintendent Health Visitor.
These proposals have received the Minister of Health's approval.
Financial assistance towards the maintenance of one case in the Main Memorial Home was given during the
year.
Care of Premature Infants: This subject was receiving the attention of a special Sub-Committee prior to the
issue of Ministry of Health Circular 20/44 and steps had already been taken to implement certain of the
suggestions contained therein.
The suggestion as to information on the notification of birth cards where the weight at birth is 5½ lbs.
or less has been acted upon. The special equipment referred to in the circular has been made available on loan
and the Council's Home Help Service has been augmented. Arrangements have been made for the provision of
expressed breast milk where necessary, and the services of Dr. Reginald Lightwood and Dr. C. T. Potter
are available in cases where paediatric advice is required and the parents are not in a position to pay for such
advice privately. Special accommodation for two premature infants has been provided at St. Mary's Hospital
and suitable accommodation can also be obtained at Paddington Hospital.

Accommodation is also provided at the Queen's Park Day Nursery, 66, Lancefield Street, for 26 children
between the ages of 2 and 5 years, although not formally approved by the Minister of Health as a War-time
Day Nursery. Owing to increased enemy aerial activity and the lack of shelter accommodation, this nursery
was closed from the 28th August to the 5th November, the children being transferred to other nurseries.