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51
of all babies undressed so that her trained eye may observe
anything that should be brought to the doctor's
notice. She decides which babies must see the doctor
and herself advises in less important details those who
cannot be seen. She watches that none is taken in
before his or her turn. Her attention besides is often
required by the voluntary helper dispensing milk foods
and simple tonics or ointments.
"If the numbers become too large in any one day,
it is impossible for her to do all these things satisfactorily.
By her knowledge of the homes of the mothers
and the conditions in which they live, she can often give
a clue for the reason of a child's lack of progress which
is of value in the future treatment of the child.
"At present there are 4 afternoons per week for
consultation. One at Burroughs House, one at West
Hendon and 2 at the Child's Hill Centre. The numbers
at West Hendon have become so great that if the
babies are to get proper attention, another day will be
required for a consultation. There is no doubt that by
the advice given at the Clinic and by the mothers' attention
to details much illness is prevented, especially in the
summer months, and many delicate ailing babies have
grown into strong healthy children."
I reported to you during the year on the advisability of
better co-ordination of the Child Welfare work with the work
of the School Medical Service and of the need for expansion
of the Child Welfare work in certain directions, particularly
as regards supervision between 2 and 5 years of age. The
establishment of a Centre at Mill Hill and the holding of an
additional session per week at West Hendon were recommended.
These matters were receiving your consideration
at the end of the year.
The number of deaths of infants under one year of age
who have attended the Centres once or oftener was 4. Compared
with the total number of new members under one year
of age this gives an Infant Mortality Rate of 12.6 per 1,000,
whereas the general Infant Mortality Rate for the district
was 46.
It would be unscientific to ascribe the whole of the above
difference in mortality to the Child Welfare Centres, but the