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Maternity and Child Welfare
57
to necessitous expectant and nursing mothers, and to children
under five years of age. This scheme came into force on the
1st May, 1918, and is now being operated in accordance with
the provisions laid down by the Ministry of Health in Circular
185, dated March, 1921.
During the year, 819 families were supplied with milk
under the above scheme :—164 in Clapham ; 79 in Putney ;
124 in Balham ; 110 in Streatham ; 99 in Tooting ; 37 in
Southfield ; 130 in Fairfield ; and 76 in Springfield. The total
cost to the Council was £1,997 12s.
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