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General results are (1) the complete absence of any difficulty in weaning from
the breast or bottle such as was the common experience when infants were fed on
one or both of these exclusively, for the first nine months, in the traditional manner;
(2) few cases of anæemia, and these relatively mild; (3) improvement in general
nutrition and muscle tone.
Continual emphasis has been placed on the importance of sunlight and fresh air
as aids to health and the prevention of tuberculosis and rickets. Air and sun baths
have been advocated, even for young infants. This involves the exposure of the
naked body to these elements once daily for increasing periods up to fifteen minutes.
A considerable number of mothers have ventured to follow this advice, with excellent
results.
No cases of glandular or pulmonary tuberculosis have become manifest amongst
those attending the centres. There is a tendency, however, for the persistence of a
small number of cases of mild rickets, in spite of every care on the part of the medical
staff towards the prevention of the condition. This is to be explained by ignorance
or indifference to advice, or poverty, and has been met as far as possible by the
extension of grants of free milk and cod liver oil, and multiple visits by the health
visitors.
One of the chief aims has been to increase to the uttermost the function of the
welfare centres as agencies for the prevention or curtailment of disease and the
promotion of health, both as an ideal work striving for for its own sake and in the
interests of the nation. Every effort is being made to check disease and remedy
deformities at an early stage. Where there is need, all who have the means are
referred to the family doctor. Otherwise, increasing use is being made of the hospital,
dental, sunlight and other clinics. A special word of acknowledgment is due to the
orthopœdic department of Westminster Hospital for helpful co-operation and advice
regarding cases of knock-knee, flat-foot and other deformities which have been
frequently referred to it.
A system of seeing infants and children on clinic days by appointment has been
instituted. This has cut down the gross number of attendances and has led to an
economy of time beneficial to both the staff and the mothers, and also an increased
efficiency in handling.
In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge with grateful thanks the loyal and efficient
co-operation of all members of the staffs who have assisted me throughout the year.
(Signed) George Ormiston.
Maternity Centres, Bessborough Street, Ebury Bridge and Marshall Street.
Dr. Margaret Salmond.
The Ante-and Post-Natal Clinics have been held weekly at Ebury Bridge and
Bessborough Street and fortnightly at Marshall Street. The attendances are well
maintained and there has been a definite increase in the number of confinements
conducted by the Westminster City Council Midwife.
The health of the mothers is, on the whole, good, and they have co-operated well
and more are now attending the dental clinic than in previous years. There have