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The scheme organized by the Ministry of Food for the provision
of Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin Tablets and Orange Juice to expectant
mothers and children, has been steadily developed since its inception
and it now entails a very large weekly distribution.
The Local Food Office have made arrangements for volunteers
to be in attendance at 20 distribution points in addition to the
Corporation's Infant Welfare Centres.
The "take-up" of these issues varies very much in different
districts, but the periodical statistics furnished by the Ministry of
Food shew quite conclusively that Beckenham is among those areas
with the highest percentage. The figures for the month of
December, 1946, shew that the issues were:—
Cod Liver Oil 494 bottles representing 54.35% of
the possible issues.
Vitamin Tablets 106 packets representing 71.62% of
the possible issues.
Orange Juice 2,061 bottles representing 63.24%
of the possible issues.
The volunteers who undertake this work are to be congratulated
on their public spirit as all medical opinion is agreed upon the
importance of these additions to our present dietary.
FREE MILK TO NECESSTIOUS CASES.
The supply of milk for children under 5 has been taken over
by the Ministry of Food, and the Council retain only the option of
supplementing supplies in special cases. The Milk Officer reports
that since the Scheme came into operation, a very large number of
permits have been issued.
VOLUNTARY HELPERS.
We are much indebted to the many ladies who give most
valuable assistance at the Beckenham Welfare Centres. At all
Centres there is a band of volunteers who attend regularly and
undertake a great deal of work which makes it possible for the
nurses to concentrate on giving advice and instruction to mothers.
PREMATURE INFANTS.
During the year 20 infants were born in the Borough weighing
less than five and a half pounds. Weight at birth cannot be regarded
as the sole criterion of prematurity, but the Ministry of
Health's Circular regarding the care of premature infants suggests
that infants whose weight at birth is less than five and a half pounds
should be regarded as premature and in need of the special methods
of care recommended.