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In connection with the work arising out of the above visits and enquiries
some 80 letters were written.
Notification of Births.
During this year almost every birth in the Division has been visited, and, in
consequence, the visits now are expected, and in most instances welcomed.
The large number thus dealt with makes it impossible to re-visit, excepting in
special and necessary cases.
The work at the Haggerston Baths Maternity Centre in a great measure compensates
for this, as an increasing number of mothers have availed themselves of
the opportunity to bring their babies each week for advice and help. 252 mothers
have attended—83 once only—some of these latter had been attending regularly
during the previous year. Four attended over 20 times, 29 over 10 times, the
remainder varying from 2 to 10 times. 19 were continuing their attendances at the
end of the year. The numbers attending on most of the afternoons have been so
large that difficulty in providing accommodation has hampered the work greatly.
Some have been unable to wait until their turn came, and were it not that I have
been assisted by friends in the immediate clerical work for the afternoon, many
more would have had to go away without attention. This proves how anxious
the mothers are for the welfare of their infants, and it is a pity such anxiety
should be frustrated by the powerlessness of one's ability to do more.
The sale of Virol at a cheap rate, although adding to the work, has been
greatly appreciated by the mothers for the delicate babies, and the results have
been most satisfactory.
Miss Charlesworth, my colleague, attended four of the meetings at Haggerston
during my absence, and on two occasions I attended those at Hoxton.
When the war began, I was asked, in my official capacity, to serve on a Ward
Committee of the National Relief Fund, and also on the Soldiers' and Sailors'
Families Association Committee at Haggeraton. This has been a pleasure, as well
as proving most useful in bringing me in contact with people who are interested
in the infant welfare of the Borough.