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for the supply of instruments ordered by the Surgeon, subject to the cost being defrayed
by the parents in such cases as are above the economic scale of the Council; the cost
in other cases to be defrayed by the Council, not exceeding the sum to be provided in
the annual estimates."
Application was made to the Ministry of Health on the 29th July, and again on the 3rd December
for his sanction to the arrangements proposed, and on the 16th December a reply was received
as follows:—
"I am directed by the Minister of Health to refer to your letters of the 29th July
and 3rd inst., in regard to the provision of surgical instruments by the Willesden Urban
District Council, and to say that the Council's proposal is still under consideration in
connection with other general questions with a view to grants-in-aid, and the Ministry
regret that they are unable to send a definite reply at present."
The system at present in operation, therefore, is that outlined in the preamble to the resolution
above set out.
During the year, 3 surgical instruments were supplied to Mothers; 1 being paid for by the
Council, 1 by the recipient, and 1 partly by the Council and partly by the recipient.
Four surgical instruments were supplied to children under 5 years; 2 being paid for by the
Council and 2 by the parents.
Where application for assistance is made to the Council, the family economic circumstances
are inquired into, and each case reported to the Council for their decision.
Training of Health Visitors.
At its meeting on 22nd July, 1919, the Council agreed to afford facilities for students of the
Household and Social Science Department of King's College for Women to receive instruction in
practical work at the Municipal Clinics at a fee of £5 5s. per student for daily attendance for a period
of 6 months.
The first student took up her course on 1st October, 1919, and between that date and May,
1920, 18 students attended.
The following is the Students' syllabus of practical work
Students' Syllabus, 1919-20.
Students attending the Willesden Municipal Clinics will receive instruction in
the following departments:—
Office.—Notification forms, enquiry forms, clinic cards, the filing and keeping
of records, following-up system and bookings in connection with Maternity work,
etc.
Cleansing.—Attendances at Cleansing Departments to see the various conditions
where treatment is considered necessary—Heads, Scabies, Impetigo, etc.
The giving of baths and the method of carrying out the treatment ordered, also
the improvement resulting from such treatment which can only be seen by consecutive
attendances. Observation of cases which do not respond readily to treatment—re-infection
in Impetigo, Scabies, etc., or where treatment has lapsed through
non-attendance.
Children under 5 Years.—Attendance in the weighing room, where they would
be taught to observe the normal baby and child under 5 years and the abnormal
child. How to handle and dress a baby, how to weigh a baby. Points to observe
between breast and bottle fed babies. Average standard weights at various ages,
minor ailments and their treatment. Observation as to the suitability of clothing
worn by children. Asepsis and surgical dressings and bandaging and the treatment
for various eye conditions.
Medical Consultations under direction of Clinical Medical Officer.—
To be present at medical consultations where instruction would be given in the
common diseases of children, also the causes of such conditions. Also common
ailments due to neglect or bad feeding. Correct method of feeding infants either
breast or bottle fed, suitable diets for children up to five years. Advantages and
disadvantages of the various proprietary foods. Normal and abnormal conditions
in the nursing and expectant mother.
School for Mothers.—Instruction in the correct method of clothing a child
and the making of various garments. How to dress and change a baby with least
possible disturbance. Various hints on the care of the baby.
Minor Ailments.—Instruction in common minor ailments, their cause and
treatment.
Eyes.—Normal and abnormal refraction, testing eyes, common eye diseases
and the method of treatment.