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7
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
Now that the restrictions imposed upon the publication of
figures relating to population have been removed, it is possible
to give the birth-rates during the last four years. In 1941 the
birth-rate was 14.5 per thousand of population, this being slightly
below that of the preceding four years. In 1942 the birth-rate
increased to 17.2, in 1943 it was 18.8, while in 1944 the birth-rate
rose to 19.4 per thousand of population. This last birth-rate
represents a total of 3,024 births. The demands on the Maternity
"and Child Welfare Service have shown a corresponding increase
as the majority of the mothers make arrangements for their confinements
through the Council's maternity service, or attend the
Ante-Natal Clinic if the confinement is to take place in a County
Hospital. The demand made for admission to maternity hospitals
is indicated by the following figures which show the place of confinement
in respect of the births in 1944.
Births in Perivale Maternity Hospital 676
Births in other hospitals 1,022
Births in nursing homes 418
Births at home 817
Information not available 91
3,024
In regard to the care of illegitimate children, there has been close
co-operation with the Middlesex County Council. Accommodation
for the expectant mother before the confinement and for the mother
and child after the baby is born, is now available. Every effort
is made to assist the mothers to deal with the special problems which
arise with regard to illegitimate children, the scheme being
operated in close co-operation with the Ealing Deanery Moral
Welfare Association.
Following the receipt of Circular 20/44 from the Minister of
Health advocating special measures to be taken regarding the care
of premature infants, arrangements were made to obtain early
information regarding them. The weight at birth is now entered
on the notification of birth card. Premature babies in need of
special care and treatment can best be dealt with in hospital and
the County Medical Officer has agreed that every facility should
be offered for the admission of these cases to the County Hospitals.
At Perivale Maternity Hospital special provision is made for
premature children.