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103
maternity and child welfare consultations.
There are 17 Maternity and Child Welfare Centres, 16 of
which are conducted by the Croydon Mothers' and Infants'
Welfare Association, and 1 by the Local Authority. A total of
21 sessions per week are held and at all of these a doctor and a
nurse on the staff of the Health Department attend.
During 1935, 2,224 new cases under 1 year of age, and 857
over a year of age attended for the first time; this is an increase
of 34 in the first class and a decrease of 162 in the second class.
The total attendances of infants and young children from 0.5 years
increased from 72,839 in 1934 to 79,299 in 1935. Consultations
with doctors decreased in numbers from 24,721 to 23,924. 195
expectant mothers were seen, a decrease of 117 on 1934, and a
total of 852 visits to the centres were paid by them. The total
of all visits to the Centres was 80,151, an increase of 6,174 over
1934.
The highest average attendance of mothers and babies at
each session was recorded at Municipal (111.7), West Croydon
(95.6), and Waddon (94.0). Such large numbers, although
indicating an appreciation on the part of the mothers, throw a
great strain on the organisation of the Centres. It is impossible
for the doctor to devote as much time as is desirable to individual
cases, whilst the nurse cannot talk to each mother at the length
which is sometimes needed.