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65
Convalescence.— The Council has again provided in the estimates
for assistance in obtaining convalescent treatment. 12 Westminster
children patients at the Infants' Hospital, Vincent Square, were sent to
a convalescent home for periods varying from 2 weeks to 3 months. After
inquiry a grant was made in each case to make up the deficiency after
the parents had contributed.
One Mother with her infant was likewise assisted in convalescence.
The total amount expended in the year amounted to £26 15s.
Day Nursery at 147, Warwick Street.— The Committee maintaining this
nursery under the auspices of the British Red Cross Society found itself
in grave financial difficulty towards the end of the summer, largely
owing to falling off of voluntary subscriptions. In spite of increased
grants from the City Council, the outlook became so serious that the
Committee intimated that it had no alternative but to close down. In
order to prevent a breakdown in so important a branch of maternity
and child welfare, the City Council made itself responsible for the
administration and maintenance of the nursery from September to the
end of the year. It was hoped that during that period a new voluntary
committee would be formed with sufficient resources to continue the
nursery with similar assistance from the Council. The Mayoress,
Mrs. J. F. C. Bennett, who had previously shown a very warm interest
in the nursery and had organised charitable efforts on its behalf, gathered
together a number of friends who set to work enthusiastically to reconstitute
the nursery on a voluntary basis. A committee was formed
in December with the Hon. Mrs. Douglas Vickers as Chairman of Executive,
Mrs. S. Gluckstein, Chairman of House Committee, and Mrs. Bennett
as Honorary Secretary. The Committee had completed its plans for
taking over the lease of the nursery premises and had organised schemes
for raising funds to maintain the nursery after the 31st December, when
the Council's temporary tenure comes to an end.
Day Nurseries and Nursery Schools.—Further consideration of the
joint circular issued by the Ministers of Health and Education in 1930
took place on a representation from the Metropolitan Standing Joint
Committee. It was pointed out that the Council had taken action as
regards ensuring more adequate supervision of pre-school age children by
appointing a health visitor in the previous year. The question of further
facilities for medical examination was deferred in the meantime, while
day nursery accommodation was a matter receiving urgent attention.
Homes for Unmarried Mothers, etc.—The Council made a grant
of £100 to the Home of St. John the Baptist at Tulse Hill. This