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In this way it is hoped to secure that the young child will
have a reasonable chance of being fit when he is admitted to the
elementary school.
Children suffering from defective vision, eye diseases, skin
affections, wasting or any other condition calling for treatment
are referred to a private doctor, or, if unable to pay, are sent to an
appropriate clinic. Facilities for the treatment of minor ailments
in children under school age are provided at the Stoke Newington
School Treatment Centre, 67, Church Street. This provision fulfils
a want as in necessitous cases where fees for continuous private
treatment cannot be paid.
The chief aims of the Centres are the supervision of the health
of women and children throughout the whole period beginning
with pregnancy and continuing up to the time the child reaches
5 years and passes from the sphere of the Welfare Centre to the
School Medical Service.
Co-operation with the N.S.P.C.C.—The practice of liaison
with the local N.S.P.C.C. Inspector (Mr. A. E. Rivers) has afforded
very satisfactory results.
In a number of instances in which, by reason of the activities
of the Health Visitors, it has been revealed that there exists some
degree of neglect of children on the part of parents, the Inspector
has been notified and, as a result of his supervision and co-operation,
it has been possible to secure an improvement in the home conditions
and better care for the children.
When, in the course of his duties, the Inspector finds a family
living in insanitary conditions, he reports the circumstances to the
Public Health Department in order that appropriate action may be
taken to remedy the conditions so far as possible.
INFANT LIFE PROTECTION
One Health Visitor carries out part-time duties in connection
with Infant Life Protection in the Borough. She is responsible for
the supervision of all foster mothers and children in their care, and
for the regular inspection of all premises in which foster children
are housed.
During the year 17 foster mothers and 43 children were subject
to systematic inspection by the Infant Life Protection Visitor,
who paid 415 visits of inspection during the year ended 31st
December, 1937.
It was not necessary to take proceedings for any infringement
of the Act during the year.
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