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The following report was submitted to the Maternity
and Child Welfare Sub-Committee and approved by the
Council in December, 1937:—
In accordance with your instructions I have pleasure in reporting
on certain aspects of the Council's Scheme for Maternity and
Child Welfare.
(1) Antenatal Clinic.
The Antenatal Clinic is situated at Bourchier House, Oak Lane,
N.2, and prior to 1932 one session was held per fortnight, in 1932
two sessions, in 1936 three sessions, and in 1937 this number was
increased to two per week. The attendances in 1932 were 400 and in
1936 they numbered 1,192. The work is carried out by the Assistant
Medical Officer and Health Visitors. No further extension is contemplated
at present.
(2) Health Visitors.
There are three Health Visitors and School Nurses, each of whom
is responsible for home visiting in her area, Infant Life Protection,
attendance at the appropriate Infant Welfare Centre, and Antenatal
Clinic, and School Medical Work. Three-fifths of their time is devoted
to Maternity and Child Welfare and two-fifths to School Medical
Work.
(3) Infant Welfare Centres.
There are three Infant Welfare Centres in the Borough, and there
has been no increase in the number of sessions since 1932.
(a) Congregational Hall, Nether Street, N.12.
Open Thursday and Friday afternoons.
Assistant Medical Officer attends every Friday and alternate
Thursdays.
(b) Wesleyan Schoolroom, Essex Park, N.3.
Open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Assistant Medical Officer attends every Tuesday and
alternate Thursdays.
(c) Bourchier House, Oak Lane, N.2.
Open Wednesday morning and afternoon and Friday
afternoons. Assistant Medical Officer attends Wednesday
morning and afternoon.
The attendances at the three Infant Welfare Centres have increased
from 12,073 in 1932 to 17,004 in 1936, and in consequence it
has become increasingly difficult for the doctor and nurse to give the
necessary amount of individual attention. The North and West
Centres have been affected most and additional medical sessions are
needed at both.
On the 30th September last the numbers of children on the
registers of the three Centres were as follows:—
North Finchley 525, including 42 from Hendon and 33 from
Friern Barnet.
East Finchley 508.
West Finchley 578, including 43 from Hendon.
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