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In the Annual Report for the year 1936 reference was made
to the fact that, owing to the large proportion of time devoted
to attendances at clinics the Health Visitors were unable to increase
substantially the number of visits paid to the homes, and that
this indicated an insufficiency of staff to deal with this important
branch of the welfare activities.
In this connection, the Council, in November, 1937, adopted
the recommendation of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee
that an additional Health Visitor be appointed in view of the
Council's resolution making the position of Tuberculosis Health
Visitor a full time instead of a half time appointment and in order
to cope with the extended work in the Maternity and Child Welfare
Department.
Attendances at the Infant Welfare Sessions.—During
the year there has been a satisfactory increase in the number and
regularity of attendances. The total of 20,487 attendances of
children under five compares very favourably with that of the
previous year (17,823), and is the highest figure of attendances
that has yet been recorded in any one year.
As required by the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, the Medical
Officer of Health must be notified of Births within 36 hours after
the birth has taken place. The information thus supplied is very
valuable, as visits can be paid to infants soon after birth, if
necessary. Usually visits are made after the tenth day, when the
midwife has ceased to be in attendance.
The Health Visitor, when calling, gives advice with regard to
the welfare of the mother, the infant and other young children of
the family, and every encouragement is given the mother to make
use of the facilities provided at the Welfare Centres and to become
a regular attender.
Much useful work is being done at the Centres, and in this
connection due recognition must be given to the voluntary workers
for the very keen interest shown in all matters concerning the
welfare of the mother and child. Their valuable assistance is much
appreciated and their popularity with mothers and children is a
factor of some importance in the general administration of the
Centres.
Supervision of the toddler is not neglected, and children between
the ages of 1 and 5 years are medically examined at intervals of
approximately 12 months in order that any defects or abnormalities
may be detected and appropriate treatment arranged for.
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