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Care of Premature Infants.—Opportunity was taken during
1947 to purchase two additional draught-proof cots for the use of
premature infants. Our four cots are loaned to nursing homes, and
to mothers in their own home, mainly through the Queen's Nursing
Association. They have proved of very great value and, although
statistical evidence cannot be adduced, were probably the means
of saving actual life.
During the year, 55 premature infants were notified, of whom
48 survived at the end of one month, as compared with 46 and 43
respectively in 1946.
Care of Illegitimate Children (Circular 2866).—The Council
continues to participate in the scheme operated by the Middlesex
County Council in conjunction with the British Red Cross Society
for the care of unmarried mothers and their babies at the Society's
hostels at "Maryland" and 16, The Park, Hendon. Two cases were
dealt with during 1947.
Home Help Scheme.
The following are the details of the work carried out under the
above scheme during 1947 :
Home Helps were provided for 76 patients confined at home
during the year, as compared with 74 in 1946.
3 were provided free of charge.
9 were provided at one-sixth full charge.
15 were provided at one-third full charge.
15 were provided at one-half full charge.
11 were provided at two-thirds full charge.
6 were provided at five-sixths full charge.
17 were provided at full charge.
From the table set out above it will be noted that demands on
the home help service continued to increase during the year. The
number of home helps available also rose from 4 at the end of 1946
to 9 at the end of 1947. For the first time since the scheme was instituted,
we were able to meet all demands made upon us, in spite
of the very high birth rate and the early discharge of maternity
cases from hospital. This has been a source of great satisfaction, as
there can be no doubt that the provision of a home help immediately
or shortly after confinement supplies a valuable safeguard.
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