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Maternity Beds at Infirmary.—In January the Public Health Committee
reported that a letter of the 17th January had been received from the
Clerk of the Board of Guardians, enclosing a copy of a report of the conference
between the Guardians and representatives of the Tottenham and Southgate
Urban District Councils with reference to the admission of patients from these
areas to the maternity wards at the Infirmary; details were given of the conditions
governing such admissions. It was decided to leave the Maternity
and Child Welfare Committee to submit a report on this subject to the Council.
In April the latter Committee advised the Council not to enter into an
agreement with the Guardians for the admission of patients to the maternity
wards of the Infirmary at present.
Edmonton Guardians—Infant Life Protection.—On the 26th
November the Guardians conferred with the Medical Officers of Health of the
eight districts of the Union, on a letter received from the Ministry of Health
vaguely suggesting some alteration in the present method of entrusting this
important work to women officers of the Guardians. Nothing was done, as
the Guardians had no proposals to submit. By an Order of the Privy Council
the Central Authority under Part I. of the Children's Act has been transferred
from the Home Office to the Ministry of Health. Your Medical Officer's
opinion is that "this should be followed by the transfer (locally) of the powers
from the Guardians to your Council, but the transfer must be complete."
The Ante-Natal Clinic.—It was opened on October 7th, after spending
over £16 on equipment, at the Fore Street Centre, under the care of Mrs. Outram.
It takes place every Thursday afternoon. The attendance is said to average
only eight!
The Ministry of Health.—Drs. McNalty and (Miss) Lambert, at 24
hours' notice, visited me on Wednesday, December 3rd, and again on Tuesday,
December 9th. On the latter occasion they visited (without me) the Centre
in Fore Street; they interviewed various people, but not the representatives
of the medical practitioners nor the midwives, so far as I am aware.
Baby Week was held from July 7th to lltn, and the usual demonstrations
were arranged, including a baby show. Concerning this function, some doubts
are being expressed as to its utility. Dr. Ransome, M.O.H. of Southgate,
has expressed the opinion that jealousy and ill-feeling are created by baby
shows.
Supervisor.—I received no salary whatever for the year ending March,
1918, the first year of the Council's administration, but from April 1st, 1919,
to June 24th, 1919, I received some at the rate of £100 a year with bonus.
On the latter date the Council passed a resolution purporting to dismiss me