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112
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
Illegitimate Births.
It has hitherto been difficult to ascertain the number of
unmarried mothers and illegitimate children in the Borough, as
a certain proportion of the illegitimate births occurred outside
the district. During the past year, however, particulars of all
births belonging to> this Borough which occurred in other districts
have been sent monthly by the Registrar-General.
Of the 223 illegitimate births belonging to the Borough 135
have been visited, 24 were above the standard of visiting, 34
had removed before visit, four were born in the workhouse and
remained there, five died before visit, 14 were boarded out under
the London County Council, five wrong addresses were given,
and in two cases repeated ineffectual visits were made. Of the
135 visited 11 died. In the majority of cases no assistance was
required, as arrangements had been made for the care of the
children.
Maternity and Child Welfare Centres.
There are now seven Infant Welfare Centres in the Borough
and it is hoped shortly to open an eighth to serve the Fairfield
Ward of Wandsworth. The mothers from this district at present
attend the Centre held at the Anchor Mission in Garratt
Lane. The premises occupied by the Balham and Springfield
Infant Welfare Centres are quite inadequate to accommodate
the increasing number of mothers who wish to avail themselves
of the advice and help provided. It is hoped shortly to find
more suitable premises for the two Centres thus handicapped.
Each Centre has a medical officer and a trained superintendent
; but all the work connected with the keeping of records,
the purchase and sale of food and drugs, and of clothing, is done
by voluntary workers, who are most regular and efficient.
Infants and children up to five years of age are admitted.
They are weighed at every attendance, seen by the doctor when
necessary, and reports concerning their progress are recorded.
The superintendent visits the homes of the children to see that
the doctor's instructions are carried out. No visiting by untrained
workers is allowed,