View report page

Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
111
babies all clay. 50 mothers with their babies were received
during the year. In another, where the mothers learn glove
making in the Home, only 14 mothers were received during the
year, the Home being closed from June to November. In the
third, 170 mothers passed through the Home during the year,
the number of births being 156.
One hostel, also in connection with rescue work, does not
receive pre-maternity cases, but makes arrangements for the
confinement. The mother is expected to remain 12 months—she
has three months' training in the Home in domestic work, and
then goes out to daily work. 13 mothers and 13 babies were
received during the year.
One of the above Homes had a separate hostel for the children—four
children were inmates of this hostel on Januarv 1st,
1920—one was admitted later, and died after two days. The
hostel was closed finally on September 1st, 1920, owing to lack
of funds.
In all the above hostels arrangements have been made for a
medical man to attend when necessary. Some of the infants
attend at the most convenient Infant Welfare Centre.
StilBirths.
Investigations were made into the cases of 69 still-births, 20
of which were premature and 15 were difficult labours, 36 were
delivered by midwives, 10 occurred in institutions, and 23 were
doctors' cases.
Advice was given as to the care of the health of the mother,
and in the event of her again becoming pregnant she was invited
to attend the Ante-natal Clinic.
Convalescent Homes.
During the year six mothers and five children were sent to
Convalescent Homes. Five of the mothers and three of the
children were sent to Ashburton Home, Addiscombe, and the
others to various places.