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Welfare Foods, Vitamin Supplements and Medicaments
The distribution of dried milk, cod liver oil, orange juice and vitamin tablets,
obtained through the Ministry of Health, has been continued at the Council's
clinics throughout the year, involving the collection of nearly £10,000 in sales and
the issue of 20,518 tins of National Dried Milk, 4,396 bottles of cod liver oil, 5,741
packets of vitamins A & D, and 86,506 bottles of orange juice. In addition, various
brands of proprietary dried milk, cereals and vitamin preparations, recommended
by the medical officers in particular cases, have also been sold in the clinics.
Dental Care
Provision of dental care is made in combination with the service provided for
school children, but the use of the word "care" in the Act appears to suggest a
wider provision than inspection and treatment referred to in the legislation dealing
with school children.
Combined use is made of staff and premises of all the dental clinics in the
Borough, and during the year 1,236 attendances of mothers and children for treatment
were made. Every possible opportunity was taken to instruct mothers on
diet and tooth cleaning, both individually and at group talks, including sessions
of mothercraft classes. The distribution of appropriate pamphlets and the display
of posters at dental clinics acted as supplementary health education.
The Chief Dental Officer refers to a trend which was noted within the County
of Middlesex in previous years for expectant and nursing mothers increasingly to
obtain dental treatment from general dental practitioners whilst young children
attended the clinics in increasing numbers, a tendency which appears to have
continued, particularly with young children.
Care of the Unsupported Mother and her Child
This work has been carried out by a medical social worker, whose services are
shared with the London Boroughs of Barnet and Haringey.
As there is no local authority mother and baby home in the Borough, use
is made of those of other authorities, and voluntary society homes.
During the year, a total of 58 unsupported mothers were maintained, 47 in
local authority homes and 11 in voluntary society homes. Of the babies born to
these women, 33 were kept by their mothers, 22 were adopted, 2 went into voluntary
society homes and 1 was taken into care.
In addition to actual placements, many women were interviewed and other
appropriate arrangements made.
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