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A total of 252 applications were recorded for enquiry, many
more were refused because it was impossible to get sufficient women
to undertake domestic work. Advertisements and posters were
used to get staff and the engagement of full-time "Helpers" was
found to be unsatisfactory because it was difficult to use the afternoons.
Help was given in 30 confinement cases and 106 cases of
illness for from 15—48 hours a week for 2—4 weeks according to the
need.
It is evident that there is a real need for this service, but it is
difficult to organise and in many cases the applicant only "wants
someone to do the rough work." This is not the function of the
"Home Help"—her job is to keep the home running whilst the
mother is unfit, to do essential work, shopping and sometimes
cooking.
It is an important job—well worth doing—and every woman
who does this work can be assured of the satisfaction which comes
from giving help in cases where it is urgently needed.
3. Supervision of Mothers and Infants.
(a) Post-Natal Clinics.
Arrangements are made for the examination of mothers after
their confinements. These examinations are carried out by the
medical practitioners on the panel or by the Assistant Medical
Officer, as the case may be.
During 1947, 121 of these examinations were carried out.
In addition, all mothers who engaged midwives for their confinements
are invited to attend the Obstetric Consultant's Clinic for
final examination and the correction of any abnormality caused by
pregnancy and childbirth. See page 20.
(b) Nursing Mothers and Infants.
Supervision is carried out at the Infant Welfare Centres and by
visits to the homes made by the Health Visitors.
There are seven Infant Welfare Centres in the Borough and
during the year nine sessions were held each week. A Medical Officer
attended each centre weekly. The situations and other particulars
of the centres appear in the Table of Local Clinic Services.
The work of the Centres is summarised in the following table
which shows that the attendances have increased by over 3,000.

3,295 children made 33,328 attendances—an average of 10.1 each.
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