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The number of visits paid during the year by all health visitors was as follows:
(a) to expectant mothers, first visits, 341, total visits, 632 ; (b) to children under 1
year of age, first visits, 514, total visits, 4,202; (c) to children between the ages of
1 and 5 years, total visits, 5,018.
During the summer one of the health visitors (Miss Kendall) visited Canada
and the United States and took part in a public health educational tour which
included visits to hospitals, health centres and clinics of various kinds.
Supply of Milk and Food.
The quantity of milk supplied free or at a reduced price under the Council's
scheme to expectant and nursing mothers and young children was 8,806 gallons
(liquid) and 1,996 pounds (dried). The amount expended was £1,289 9s. 3d., as
against £973 14s. Id. in 1938. The number of cases dealt with was 478, and the
number of orders issued 2,914, showing an increase over the figures for 1938, when
the cases numbered 377 and the orders 2,325.
There is also an arrangement for supplying dinners at certain voluntary centres
but no advantage was taken of this service during 1939.
Day Nurseries.
The three day nurseries in the Borough were evacuated on the outbreak of war :
the Portman (St. Marylebone Health Society) from new premises at Nos. 12-18,
Salisbury Street to Limpsfield, Surrey; the Crossley (St. Marylebone Health Society)
from No. 38, Barrow Hill Road to Watlington, Oxfordshire; and St. Vincent's
Creche (Convent of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul) from No. 14 Blandford
Street to Taplow, Buckinghamshire. In their temporary quarters in the country
the nurseries are carrying on their valuable work with marked success and with
undoubted benefit to the health of the children.
Home Helps.
Home helps were provided in three cases during the year.
Convalescent Home.
During the first eight months of the year, 18 mothers, 17 babies and 3 toddlers
were admitted to the accommodation maintained by the Council at the Zachary
Merton Convalescent Home, Rustington, Sussex. On the 24th August the Home
closed down and the premises were used for other purposes.
Child Life Protection.
In connection with the administration of Part I of the Children Act, 1908, as
amended by Part V of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1932, six health visitors
acted as infant protection visitors and made a total of 155 inspections. During
1939 two foster mothers left the Borough, and in the latter part of the year six
children were evacuated under the Government scheme. The number of persons on
the register who were receiving children for reward at the end of the year was four,
and the children in their care numbered four.
Treatment of Minor Ailments.
Children suffering from minor ailments were treated at the London County
Council clinic at Health Centre No. 2.
Dental Clinic.
By arrangement certain sessions at the Dental Clinic of the London County
Council are set aside for the inspection and treatment of mothers and children under
the maternity and child welfare scheme of the Borough Council. Table 15 contains
statistics for the period January to July inclusive. The clinic was closed during
the remainder of the year.