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32
The Infantile Mortality is regarded as a sensitive index of
the sanitary state of a District, and judged by this index, Lambeth
Borough again takes a good position amongst Sanitary Districts,
a satisfactory fact to be able to state, and one that is due to the
precautionary measures that are taken.
Systematic visiting and giving advice as to the feeding and
management of infants and children, together with the free distribution
of official pamphlets dealing with the same and kindred
subjects, account in part for the decline in the infantile mortalityrate
throughout the Borough, whilst the influence of the Milk
Depot must not be forgotten The Notification of Births Act,
1907, is valuable in connection with precautionary measures taken
to prevent infantile mortality. Meteorological conditions were
favourable during 1914 to a low infantile mortality-rate (vide
Diarrhoea). Leaflets were again distributed freely throughout
the Borough during 1914, dealing with preventive measures to
be taken against Summer Diarrhoea and the fly peril in connection
therewith.
Maternity and Child Welfare.
A circular letter from the Local Government Board, dated
July 30th, 1914, was received dealing with proposed grants to be
distributed by the Board in aid of the expenditure of local authorities
and voluntary agencies in respect of institutions and other
provision for maternity and child welfare. Expenditure connected
with clinics, dispensaries, and other institutions (medical and surgical
advice and treatment, as well as the appointments of health visitors
and other officers). Within the letter was enclosed a memorandum
dealing with the subject, and suggesting as a complete scheme
the following:—
1. Arrangements for the local supervision of midwives.
2. Arrangements for—
Ante-Natal
(1) An ante.natal clinic tor expectant mothers.
(2) The home visiting of expectant mothers.
(3) A Maternity Hospital or beds at a hospital, in which
complicated cases of pregnancy can receive treatment.
N atal.
3. Arrangements for—
(1). Such assistance as may be needed to ensure the mother
having skilled and prompt attendance during confinement
at home.
(2) The confinement of sick women, including women having
contracted pelvis or suffering from any other condition
involving danger to the mother or infant, at a hospital.