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suggestion of the Ministry the course of training has been revised, the
minimum attendance being fixed at 26 days of 130 hours, of which 18
hours arc devoted to home visiting.
The grants of milk to nursing mothers has in many cases enabled them
to nurse their infants for the normal period.
The closest co-operation exists with the district nurses, but in less
degree with the school nurses who do not find much occasion to visit the
Centre.
In relation to 351 births in the district, 123 expectant mothers
attended the Centre. 91 women took advantage of the Council's midwifery
services 55 in-patients and 39 out-patients of Westminster Hospital.
Infants under 1 year attending the Centre numbered 223 in relation
to 351 births, in addition to 52 infants who moved in from other districts.
Marshall Street Centre.—There is very little poverty or unemployment
in the northern area, only 29 families (mothers and/or infants)
receiving milk grants compared with 310 recipients in the whole city.
A state of fairly good nutrition seems to prevail. On inquiry as to butter
consumption, as compared with margarine, it was found that very few
in this area purchased margarine.
Foster Mothers.—Only three are registered and they attend the centre
regularly. Quite a number of addresses of foster children are received,
but in most cases they are found to be former addresses of the parents.
Student Health Visitors.—Five from the Battersea Polytechnic, Bedford
College and College of Nursing received training. The methods of
instruction at this centre are described, it being emphasised that for the
first month students must pay home visits always with the health visitors
Co-operation with district nurses is not extensive. Only on three
occasions were their services required for centre cases. With the school
nurses, however, head masters and head mistresses there is much helpful
interchange of information by personal visits.
Ante-natal Clinic.—None at this centre, but 25 expectant mothers
attended the mothercraft class.
There were 5 in-patients and 2 out-patients of Westminster Hospital
in connection with the City Council's midwifery services.
Births in the area numbered 195. After deducting infant deaths,
still births, moved away before visiting, and above standard births the
number remaining is 151. Of these, 80 infants attended the Centre.
(9189) r 3