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FOTMOKD.
In spite of the War the Maternity and Child Welfare Department
has every reason to be proud of its progress, and although there were many
problems, especially during the period of intensive air-raids, most satisfactory
results have been obtained.
The Clinic services have been carried on as usual, and the
attendances have amply justified 'this step. The progress of the AnteNatal
Clinic has been more than encouraging, and whilst in 1939 there wore
215 sessions in 1940 there wore 254. The total attendances increased
from 5,271 in 1939 to 5,645 in 1940. 1,184 prospective mothers attended
the Clinic during the year, which speaks for itself as to the value of the
work and the manner in which it is appreciated. The Ante-Natal Service
is carried on by the midwives under the supervision of the Non-Medical
Supervisor of Midwives, and in that way the nurses are in a position to
know the whole medical and social history of the women they will be attending
for their confinements.
The St, Alphege and St. Aldhelms Clinics wore re-opened in 1940
as there was a great need for Infant Welfare sessions in these areas. The
attendances at all Infant Welfare Clinics has been most satisfactory.
The National Milk Scheme was introduced in July 1940 as a war
measure by the Ministry of Food, and expectant and nursing mothers and
children under 5 years of age can obtain 1 pint of milk daily either at a
reduced rate (2d per pint) or free in necessitous cases. Application
certificates are completed for the mothers by members of the Medical, Health
Visiting and Midwifery Staffs under the schema of co-operation with the
Ministry of Food. An arrangement was also made thereby National Dried
Milk could be distributed in the Infant Welfare Centres. Mothers can
obtain this food at their nearest Clinic instead of journeying each week to
the local Food Office, and in this way the infant is kept under constant
supervision. The normal brands of dried milk foods are still available at
the Clinics for sale or free under the same arrangements as in operation
prior to the War.
The Governments Evacuation Scheme for expectant mothers was in
operation throughout the year, and when the air raids commenced in August
many women took advantage of the scheme and left Edmonton for their confinements.
The women were sent away at the eighth month of pregnancy, but
mohers can claim billeting allowance at any period of pregnancy if they
can find private accommodation in a reception area. A certificate is
issued by the Department confirming the date of the confinement, and the
Education Department then make the other arrangements under the L.C.C.
Schcme.
On January 6th, with the approval of the Ministry of Health,
the Nursery children (evacuated at the outbreak of war), were transferred
from billets to the ' Foxes", Ramsden Heath, Essex. The accommodation
and general arrangements proved most satisfactory, but unfortunately as
the year advanced the area was not considered suitable on account of its
proximity to the coast. After great difficulty a suitable house was
found, namely Children's House, Sun Lane, Harpenden, Herts, and the 16
children were transferred on 3rd October, 1940, The party have settled
down very happily and when the premises are filly equipped there will be
accommodation for 28 children. Many changes have taken place in
the Nursery Staff, and in November 1940, Miss Vigar, who had been in
tho Council's employment for many years, loft to get married, and a
temporary Matron had to bo engaged.