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the more important advances in the welfare services. This
in conjunction with the scheme for the provision of vitamin
preparations for expectant and nursing mothers and children
under 5 has no doubt been in part responsible for the improvement
in the physical conditions of the children, which is so
apparent now and which is reflected in the reduction of the
infantile mortality rate.
A scheme for providing domestic help to persons suffering
from illness or infirmity was introduced in March 1945. In
1945, 68 persons were assisted under this scheme, at a net cost
(reimbursed by the Ministry of iealth) of £404, and in addition
the services of Home Helps war used on 67 occasions at a cost
to the Council of £405. 2. 10.
In 1946, it became possible to extend the personal health
services by:-
(a) the establishment of toddlers' clinics at each of the
three welfare centres to which children were invited for
a thorough medical and dental overhaul at their 2nd, 3rd,
4th and 5th birthdays. Examination was by appointment
and much valuable work was done in detecting minor and
major abnormalities. Where defects were found the children
were referred for appropriate treatment.
(b) the establishment of a Physiotherapy Clinic - staffed by
a qualified Physiotherapist.
Two sessions were held weekly and appropriate treatment
and exercises given to children under 5 and to nursing
mothers. This clinic was extended to include the provision
of ultra violet ray therapy in November, 1947, for
3 sessions weekly.
(c) the establishment of a foot clinic in January 1946. It
was staffed initially on a part-time basis, but the demand
rose so rapidly, that in June 1947, two full-time Chiropodists
were engaged and in June 1948, active measures
were being taken to extend the service by the provision
of a third Chiropodist.
(d) the extension of the dental clinic to cover all mothers
with children under 5 and adolescents. The opportunity
was taken in February 1946 to take over the administration