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Premature Infants.
During the year 54 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.
Of these 54 infants, 8 were born at home and 46 in Institutions.
Born at home 8
Nursed entirely at home 8
Died during the first 24 hours Nil
Alive at the end of one month 8
Born in Institutions 46
Died during the first 24 hours 7
Alive at the end of one month 35
The Council have approved arrangements for the care of these
cases. Special equipment has been provided and arrangements
made for the admission to the Maternity Hospital of any premature
infant requiring medical attention.
Special Treatment.
Anangements have been made for children from 1 to 5 years
of age to participate in the special services available for school children
and the use made is shewn by the following attendances:—
Eye U.V. Ray Orthopae- Aural
Clinic Clinic dic Clinic Clinic
Masseuse Surgeon
1947, Infants 91 843 578 297 8
Boarded-Out Children.
At the commencement of the year there were 9 registered foster
mothers having charge of 14 children.
At the end of the year there were 8 names still on the register
with 12 children.
The Health Visitors and the Assistant Medical Officer are Infant
Life Protection Visitors amd made 77 visits to the homes.
Public Health Act, 1936—Sections 206—220.
Under these Sections the Council may grant exemption Certificates
from provisions covering the necessity for notification of
admission and discharge of children from residential homes and
schools. Nine premises are exempted and two are not.
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