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tively rarely, chiefly owing to the difficulty in obtaining their services
when needed.
In 1937 a third name was added to the list, the specialist in question
residing within easy reach of the District. The number of occasions on
which these specialists have been called to the District has always been
comparatively small, and in 1938 the Council decided to make no
attempt to recover any part of the fees of the specialists from the patients,
which practice has been continued to date.
During 1945 the local specialist, who has been the only one called
in during the war period, attended seven cases, this being the highest
number of calls in any one of the war years.
Emergency Unit.
In 1938 an arrangement was made, thanks to the generosity
of the County Borough of Croydon, whereby an Emergency Unit or
"Flying Squad" based on Mayday Hospital, Croydon, was made
available to residents in this District. Although fortunately very little
used, it is a great advantage to the District to have this Service available
for use when required.
During the war years it has only been called upon on two occasions
viz., once in 1943 and once in 1944.
Care of Premature Babies.
Detailed consideration was given to the special needs of premature
babies during 1944 and a number of additional arrangements were made.
The services of a Consultant Pædiatrician were made available, but during
1945 he was not called upon for consultation by any local practitioner.
On the other hand considerable use was made of the special cots, electric
cradles and other equipment provided by the Council for this purpose.
Particular care has also been given to the transport of premature infants
by ambulance.
Care of Illegitimate Infants and Their Mothers.
Special consideration was given during 1944 and 1945 to the prob
lems attaching to this group of mothers and babies, but while this has
had the advantage of focussing the attention of the Health Visitors to
the peculiar needs of these cases, no special arrangements have resulted
which can be reported at this time. Individual cases have been given
assistance in various ways.
Family Planning.
Since 1936 the Council has made an annual grant to the Croydon
Mothers' and Infants' Welfare Association, in return for which residents
requiring advice have been able to obtain this at Croydon on financially
advantageous terms.
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