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Maternity Liaison Committees. The department is represented on the
local Maternity Liaison Committees by the medical officer of health or deputy
medical officer of health and the non-medical supervisor of midwives or the
principal nursing officer. Meetings were attended during the year when common
problems were discussed. As the Borough is now served by two Hospital Management
Committees, there are separate maternity liaison committees for each group
catchment area.
Phenylketonuria
During 1965, babies numbering 3,477 were tested either in clinics or in
their homes about the fourth week of life. No cases of phenylketonuria were
detected.
Recuperative Holidays
Recommendations for recuperative holidays are submitted by general practitioners,
hospitals, health visitors and social workers. Applications received
during the year and placed in recuperative holiday homes numbered 509, the
majority at the seaside. (Statistics on page 93).
Care of the Unmarried Mother and her Child
(a) Mother and Baby Homes. Voluntary organisations provide accommodation
in mother and baby homes for those in need. Such organisations are supported
by grants from the Council via the Health and Welfare Committees. Expectant
and nursing mothers admitted to such homes during the year numbered 31.
(b) Moral Welfare Associations. Financial assistance is also given to
Moral Welfare Associations providing service for residents of the Borough.
Residential Establishments for Children in Care.
The Department's visiting medical officers regularly attend at the Chil dren's
Department's residential establishments to examine the children, treat any
cases of illness occurring and advise on medical aspects of child welfare,
hygiene and the prevention of infection. The department is also responsible
for the provision of relief nursing staff as required at these establishments.
Mental Health Services
Day Centres. There is a Council Day Centre for the mentally ill and
another run by a voluntary organisation in the Borough. Their aim and purpose
is to provide a meeting place where patients who live at home can obtain
occupational pnd educational therapy. Patients are also able to discuss with
mental health social workers, and obtain advice,on their personal problems and
difficulties. The patients attend for the whole day on 5 days a week and are
provided with a midday meal obtained from the Inner London Education Authority
School Meals Service. Another incidental object of the day centres is to
provide some relief to relatives from the care of mentally ill persons.
38.