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38
Great care is taken to verify the statements as to
income made by the applicants, and the arrangements work
satisfactorily.
Maternity Home.—The arrangement made with the
Edmonton Board of Guardians for the reception of maternity
cases at the District Maternity Home at Edmonton, in
January, 1919, continues to work satisfactorily, and eleven
mothers were admitted during the year. This is a great
advantage to those who are unable to make adequate
provision at home, or whose place of residence is unsuitable
for their confinements, and for cases of exceptionally
difficult or abnormal labour.
The charge, which was originally 28s. per week,
is now raised to 42s.
In necessitous cases the Council remits part or whoie
of the charge, according to circumstances.
The Medical Officer, Dr. Louisa Wcstlake, who is not
in general practice, attends all the Centres at every sitting,
and carries out her duties with great zeal and efficiency.
Continuity of advice and supervision is thus assured, and the
confidence of the mothers is gained.
She is ably supported by the Health Visitor and voluntary
helpers, who are very enthusiastic and do excellent
work. The model garments they make and sell at cost
price are a great attraction.
The premises at which they are held answer their purpose
very well, and the necessary apparatus is provided at
each Centre.
The year has seen steady progress in the Maternity
and Child Welfare work. The four Centres meeting weekly
at New Southgate, Winchmore Hill, and Bowes Park, and
fortnightly at Southgate, have all shown increasing attendances,
and a high standard of interest on the part of the
mothers. A satisfactory feature is the fact that infants
are being brought increasingly in the earliest months of
life, so that they are under supervision from the start.