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27
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
As is mentioned elsewhere in this report, minor extensions
in the scope of the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme have
been effected during the year. Provision of beds for maternity
emergencies, compensation for midwives whose patients are
admitted to hospital, and an added dental session. During the
year the provision of clinics under the Maternity and Child
Welfare Scheme for the newly developed area at Bedonwell in
connection with the new junior school has reached the stage of
inclusion in the plans of the school and their acceptance by
the Board of Education and the Ministry of Health.
The work of the Health Visitors and the clinics continues
to be successful and the attendances clearly indicate the value
the patients place on the services available.
The numbers attending the ante-natal clinic continue to
mount, an increase of over 200 attendances being shown over
last year, and again it is gratifying to note that midwives are
making freer use of the clinic.
I would again emphasise that the ante-natal clinic is not
restricted to patients who are booked to enter Hainault.
Institutional treatment for normal cases is provided at
Hainault. During the year 129 patients were admitted for
confinement.
A stock of sterile maternity outfits is kept at the Council
offices and retailed at cost price, viz., 3/6 each or free in
necessitous cases.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
Three cases of this disease occurred during the year. All
of the patients were removed to hospital.
In two cases vision was unimpaired and in the third case
the patient removed from the district.
Infant Life Protection.
Administration of Part 1 of the Children Act, 1908 reenacted
in the Children and Young Persons Act, 1932, is undertaken
by this Authority, the Health Visitors being appointed
as Infant Protection Visitors. Reports on the homes of Foster
Mothers are submitted by the Health Visitors and when doubt
arises they are visited by your Medical Officer. In cases in
which conditions are not considered satisfactory the Maternity
and Child Welfare Committee make representation to a Court
of Petty Sessions who have the power to order the removal of
foster children to a place of safety.