View report page

16
crowded districts exceeds that in the least overcrowded by from 80 to
85 per cent. The infant mortality rate is of course affected by the
administrative efforts made to reduce it, but the rate is so extremely
sensitive to other influences which vary from year to year, that the
value of this work cannot be judged by the mortality of the moment.
Among systematic efforts now being made in the Metropolis for the
preservation of infant life, the system of visitation by Health Visitorsis
generally commended.
The much-needed appointment of an official woman Sanitary
Inspector and Health Visitor by the Borough, leaves but little
reduced the necessity for voluntary help, in order that the infantile
mortality in the Borough may be kept as low as possible. The
appointment of a salaried individual, who is able as necessity demands
to keep in touch with the voluntary workers, has enabled this work to
be co-ordinated and promoted in a manner which was found impossible
when no such official existed, despite the valuable and generous
assistance certain voluntary workers gave in clerical work, etc. The
Borough is under a great obligation to the ladies who are discharging
the duties of voluntary health workers and aiding Miss Aldridge in.
reducing infantile mortality in the Borough. The problem of the
reduction of infantile mortality was discussed at great length at the
Leeds Congress of The Royal Sanitary Institute, to which I was
appointed a Delegate by the Council. The practical lines there most
advocated were:—
(a) The provision of " Mothers' Welcomes," at which the
expectant wife or young mother can obtain advice and help,
and where she can buy a small but satisfactory meal for a few
pence.
(b) The wider enforcement of the practical provisions of
the Notification of Births Act, by a wider use of trained
sanitary inspectors—and by obtaining the assistance of more
voluntary health workers.
(c) The importance of sound practical training at school
in the domestic work of the home and of practical and simple
training in hygiene.