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29
With regard to Miss Pankhurst's organisation, the Committee
pointed out that the organisations included in the scheme adopted exist
primarily for purposes such as are contemplated in Maternity and Child
Welfare Schemes, and the arrangements made have been completed
after much careful consideration.
The Committee were very strongly of opinion that the organisation,
being amply sufficient for the effective conduct of the scheme, within
the powers conferred by the Government scheme, should not now be
altered to bring in other bodies until, at any rate, the scheme, as at present
arranged, has been given a reasonable trial.
The Committee reported :—"As the Council is aware, the Government
scheme does not at present permit the provision of nourishment,
but application has been made by the Council to the Local Government
Board for such powers; meanwhile, cases in which such provision is
necessary are referred to the several voluntary feeding centres. The
Public Health and Housing Committee recommended to the Council,
that the reference be discharged.
The Public Health and Housing Committee reported to the Council
that in connection with the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme, it is
necessary, in order to secure recognition by the Local Government
Board, that a medical practitioner should be in attendance at the maternity
centres, and voluntary assistance had been given by Dr. Eleanor
Gorrie for two and a half years past. Dr. Gorrie was quite willing to
attend at Bow once a week instead of once a month, and the Committee
considered that her offer should be gratefully accepted.
The Committee were of opinion, however, in view of the extension
of the work, and of the fact that one-half the cost would be repaid by
the Local Government Board, that a fee for her attendance should be
paid to Dr. Gorrie, and recommended the Council that the continuance
of Dr. Eleanor Gorrie's services as medical attendant at the Bow Maternity
Centre, under the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme, be accepted,
and that the payment of fees for such attendances be adopted in principle,
the amount to be subsequently agreed.
Handbill—Maternity Centres and Weighing of Babies.
The following handbill, which is sent to every mother upon notification
of a birth, has been compiled by Miss Hall (Health Visitor) :—