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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 25,065 attendances of
children under five compares very favourably with that of the
previous year (20,487), 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 fourteenth da}', 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.
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.
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