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17
(vii) The Care of Premature Children.
Referring again to Ministry of Health Circular 20/44 the new
"Notification of Birth" cards have now been forwarded to all
Medical Practitioners and Midwives in the district. On these cards
a space is provided for the weight at birth, when this is 5½ lbs. or
less, this weight being taken arbitrarily as an indication of prematurity.
Furthermore, two draught proof cots of the "Sorrento" type
are available, with detachable linings, bedding, hot water bottles,
special feeding bottles, etc., and can be delivered to the homes,
upon request of Practitioners or Midwives. Experience will show
if more than two cots are required.
When it is necessary for a premature infant to be removed to
hospital, an ambulance will be available with a supply of oxygen,
and a heated carrier; part of the "Sorrento" cot can be used for
conveyance.
It has not been possible to obtain the services of a paediatrician
for domiciliary attention, but it is hoped that, in time, we shall
be able to utilise the services of the consultant paediatrician,
who, at the end of the year, was appointed by the Essex County
Council to Oldchurch Hospital. In this connection, we are in
negotiation with the County.
(viii) War-Time Nurseries.
For the greater part of the year waiting lists had to be maintained
for each of the three day nurseries, and the demand was most
marked, on the return of families from evacuation. Later in the
year, many mothers gave up their employment, and withdrew
their children from the nurseries, or sought part-time employment,
and left their children for a proportion of the day, or week, only.
The requests from Romford mothers, for the admission of their
children to the Rush Green Nursery, has again been insufficient
to fill the nursery, and, in consequence, it has been possible to
admit a number of children whose residence is in neighbouring
districts. At any one time, at this nursery, approximately 50 per
cent. of the admissions are from districts other than Romford.
The average attendance for the year at each nursery is as
follows:—