Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Enfield]
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17
The consideration of the question of making provision for the
care of mothers, expectant mothers, and young children in Enfield
involves the establishment of not less than four Centres, known as
"Maternity and Infant Welfare Centres."
In the scheme I am now submitting I venture to think that the
most suitable buildings for such purposes are to be found in the
Sunday Schools or Mission Rooms of the various religious bodies
in the district.
The number of rooms required in a centre would be not less
than three, one large, as reception room, a room for weighing
babies, and a consultation room for the doctor.
The following appear to me to be suitable for the work in the
various populous parts of the district:—
Ordnance Ward.
The Totteridge Road Baptist Sunday School, or the St.
George's Hall.
Green Street and Ponders End Ward.
The Church Hall in Durants Road, or the Congregational
Sunday School, High Street, Ponders End.
Bush Hill Park Ward.
Congregational Sunday School Room, Main Avenue.
The Town and Chase Wards.
The Congregational Institute, Armfield Road, or St. Luke's
Institute, Morley Hill.
I have not consulted any of the authorities of these Institutes,
but from inquiries made in different parts of London I find that the
use of such like places is almost invariably given free, subject to a
small charge for light and attendance.
At the commencement of the scheme I think that each Centre
should be opened not less than two consecutive hours once a fortnight,
and when the attendance grows, once a week. Under this
arrangement the Centres at Enfield Wash and Bush Hill Park
would be opened one week, and those at Ponders End and Chase
Side the following week.
The Staff required at each Centre would comprise a Doctor,
Superintendent (who would be the Health Visitor), an Assistant
Superintendent, who would weigh the babies, assist the Superintendent
in keeping records, and filling in cards.