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127
A whole-time masseuse conducts the work of the Massage and
Breathers' Clinics.
The clerical staff consists of four clerks, working under the
general supervision of the chief clerk of the department.
CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER HEALTH SERVICES.
(a) Infant and Child Welfare.—The school medical work is an
integral part of the general public health work of the Borough.
The medical officers engaged in the work of school medical inspection
are also medical officers to the Infant Welfare Centres established
under the maternity and child welfare scheme. The rearrangement
of the duties of health visitors in September resulted
in a similar co-ordination, so that the health visitors who supervised
the school child became responsible also for the home visiting
of younger children and the maternity and child welfare scheme,
and for attendance at Infant Welfare Centres.
(b) Nursery Schools.—No nursery schools have been established
in the Borough by the Education Committee.
(c) The Care of Debilitated Children Under School Age.—
The physical condition of children under school age is watched
on the one hand through the eleven Infant Welfare Ceritres, and
on the other by visits to the homes by the health visitors working
under the maternity and child welfare scheme.
The Public Health Committee provide a Sick Nursery, containing
4 beds, to which are admitted debilitated young children needing
medical supervision. Fresh premises are shortly to be erected
to include an enlarged Sick Nursery of 12 beds, together with a
number of clinics at present unsuitably housed.
Young children needing a course of treatment in a convalescent
home are referred, with a medical report, to the Croydon Mothers'
and Infants' Welfare Association. 52 mothers and 119 children
under five years of age were thus admitted to convalescent homes
during the year. A contribution was paid to the Association by
the Council during the year in connection with this work.
A massage clinic is provided by the Public Health Committee
for the treatment of children suffering from rickets, infantile paralysis,
and general conditions of debility.