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41
Convalescent Homes.—During the year an arrangement
was made to send suitable cases from the Centres to
the Babies' Convalescent Home at 15, Brent-road, Shooters
Hill, at a cost of 15s. a week, payable by the parent. The
Council agreed to remit part or the whole of the expense
in necessitous cases. Two children have been sent to this
Home, with great benefit in each case
Dental Treatment.—Dentures have been supplied at
half price to two nursing mothers, and, with the help of the
Dental Club, five others have received much needed dental
treatment. There is a difficulty in educating the mothers to
the need of dental treatment, and much better work would
be done if we were able to have a Dental Clinic, but which
is hardly practicable at present.
Tuberculosis.—Three cases came under observation,
one of tuberculous ankle, and two of tuberculous glands.
These cases were referred to hospital for treatment, and
instructions given as to personal and domestic hygiene,
followed up by visits by the Health Visitor to the homes.
Educational and Social Work.—The primary object of
Centre work is educational, and it is interesting to note the
cumulative effect of the instruction given on the mothers
as a whole. The teaching given to the individual mother in
reference to her own child becomes knowledge which is
not only used in her own home, but is discussed between
the mothers themselves, and in this way a more correct
standard is set up generally. Class teaching has been
given in lectures at four Socials, which were held during
the year, one in each of the four localities, and which were
largely attended. This is good as far as it goes, but the
educational side is still not strong enough. There should be
more class instruction, simple talks on health and hygiene
at the Centres at each session, by the Health Visitor. This
important feature of our work is now receiving more special
attention.
Educational Competitions were held in the Summer.
These included an examination in Mothercraft based on
the text-book, which is issued at the Centres, "To Wives
and Mothers." Prior to the examination, Mrs. Sauer, one
of our voluntary helpers, very kindly conducted a weekly