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Maternity and Child Welfare.
59
During the year 798 families were supplied with milk under
the above scheme:—141 in Clapham, 55 in Putney, 140 in Balham,
97 in Streatham, 113 in Tooting, 57 in Southfield, 86 in Fairfield,
and 109 in Springfield. The total cost to the Council was
£1,676 7s. l0d.
Women and children in receipt of milk under the Council's
scheme are expected to attend the Welfare Centre during the
time that the milk is being granted, though this rule is not enforced
in cases where there is some very good reason for the mother's
non-attendance.
There is little doubt that many mothers and children have
benefited from the supply of free milk since the scheme was instituted.
In many cases the milk granted has enabled nursing
mothers to prolong the period of lactation, and the records kept
at the Welfare Centres show good results in the health and general
well-being of many infants.
Dental Treatment.
The teeth of mothers and children are examined as a routine
by the Medical Officers at the Welfare Centres, and those requiring
treatment are advised to attend at the Dental Clinic of the British
Dental Hospital, 23, South Side, Clapham Common.
The modified arrangements made with the British Dental
Hospital in 1923, have continued in force throughout the year,
and all expectant and nursing mothers attending the Welfare
Centres are eligible for treatment under the scheme provided their
financial circumstances are such as to preclude them from paying
the full cost of treatment.
The Council makes a payment to the Hospital of 5s. per
attendance, with an additional charge of 5s. for each case requiring
nitrous oxide. A separate charge is made for dentures, and patients
are asked to contribute towards the cost of these according to their
means.
95 cases availed themselves of these facilities during the
year, 68 being women, and 27 children, and 179 attendances were
made.
These arrangements for dental treatment are now similar to
those for cases of Tuberculosis.