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vitamin deficiency, further protective additions to the diet are desirable
in many cases. To meet this need the Council has arranged for the supply
at the centres of cod liver oil preparations for mothers and children.
A few other special dietetic articles containing calcium and/or iron are
also issued, when required, to ante-natal and post-natal cases in which there
seems a possibility of a shortage of vitamins or of necessary minerals in the
diet. These preparations are supplied on the recommendation of the
medical officer conducting the clinic. They may be issued free in cases
where the income falls within the limits which permit the issue of free
milk.
Preparations of dried milk amounting to 4,936 pounds were distributed
during the year. The amount expended by the Council for fresh milk
as extra nourishment for mothers and infants was £872 2s. 2d.
Home Helps.—Provision was made in ten cases for the services of
home helps at a cost of £16 13s. 9d. There is no panel of home helps. It
is found more satisfactory for the woman requiring this service to make
her own free choice of the individual who is to take her place in the
home.
Insulin Treatment.—Two patients were under treatment and the
cost to the Council for the year was £26 9s. 3d.
Treatment of Rheumatism.—The City Council, with the approval of
the Minister of Health, made a grant of £105 to the St. John Clinic and
Institute of Physical Medicine, Ranelagh Road, towards the cost of
treatment of poor inhabitants of Westminster suffering from rheumatism.
Dental Treatment.—The Council provides for the treatment of cases
both under the maternity and child welfare and tuberculosis schemes.
Expectant and nursing mothers, and children under five years of age
are eligible for treatment. Patients contributed £11 3s. 6d. in small
sums according to their means. The Council contributed sums totalling
£61 5s. 6d. towards the cost of dentures (£4 per set), which were supplied
in 51 cases.
Dental Clinic
(held in the premises of the Western Dispensary).
Mr. Stewart Tait, Dental Surgeon, in submitting the following
statistics of work carried out at the dental clinic points out the general
increase since last year; in fact the highest figures since 1930. An
additional weekly session was instituted during the year to meet the
in creasing demand for treatment.