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While throughout the District the children are, generally speaking,
well nourished, and in many cases above the average development,
there are in attendance at each Centre children who bear witness to the
impoverished condition of their homes. In the majority of these cases
the child has shown great improvement as a result of the investment of
public money in thus providing extra nourishment. A few cases, however,
have shown that the provision of milk is not the only need.
In addition, in certain cases, concentrated foods or drugs are provided
free, or at a reduced cost.
During the year 17 cases were referred to hospitals from the Centres,
13 being to Purley Hospital for Ultra Violet Ray treatment, massage or
minor operations, and 4 to Croydon General Hospital for orthopaedic
advice or treatment. A number of cases have also been referred to
their own Doctors for treatment.
These numbers remain low, however, thanks to the appreciation
of the fact that the Child Welfare Centres are not for the treatment of
the sick, but for periodical examination and observation of the apparently
healthy child in order to detect any minor defects, or detrimental
tendencies, and for instruction on how to rear children along sound lines.
On the other hand, the number of children circumcised at Purley
Hospital prior to the mother's discharge after her confinement has become
very high, 68 per cent. of the male babies born in 1935 being so treated.
While the agreement with the Croydon General Hospital for the
treatment of cases suffering from, or liable to develop deafness, has remained
in force, no cases have had to be referred for such treatment.
This would appear to be due to the securing of early and efficient
treatment in the early stages through the family Doctor or some other
agency.
The scheme for the dental treatment of Ante-Natal and nursing
mothers and children under 5 years of age, which was launched in 1934,
increased slightly in efficiency and popularity.
During the year 33 cases were treated by those Dental Surgeons
in the District who had signified their willingness to serve under the
Scheme, as compared with 15 cases in the latter half of 1934.
While the Scheme still remains slightly ponderous and rather more
expensive for the individual than could be desired, the numbers treated
hardly justify other arrangements as yet, the present Scheme appearing
to be the best that can be evolved to deal with the demand experienced
to date in this District.
CHILDREN ACTS, 1908—1932.
The Health Visitors are all recognised Infant Life Protection Officers.
During the year 20 Foster Parents have been under supervision,
39 children being distributed among the Homes, 8 of which homes were
registered for the first time during the year.
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