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32
With regard to the use of the wards specially for mothers and children for the
establishment of breast feeding, difficulty has been experienced in persuading mothers
to enter the institution, mainly owing to the fact that they have those at home who
require to be looked after. A case or two, however, have been admitted with benefit
both to mother and child, and in some instances the mother has attended at stated
intervals during the day to nurse her infant whilst it was in the institution.
The cases admitted to the observation wards (see Statistical Summary, p. 72
Appendix) were those suffering from disorders of digestion, marasmus, debility,
prematurity and the like. For the most part treatment in the wards means careful
attention to general management and to diet.
At the Infant Welfare consultations advice is given as regards the care of
infants and children. Beyond such simple remedies as aperients, treatment is not
undertaken. Cases requiring to be under medical supervision are referred to medical
practitioners or hospitals in the neighbourhood.
At the ante-natal consultations mothers are advised as regards their general
health. Any requiring special treatment are referred to the City of London Maternity
Hospital, City Road, there being special facilities for this under an agreement between
the Borough Council and the Hospital Authorities. Mothers, however, are not bound
by this and it is open to them to select any other hospital they may desire.
The Dental Clinic was commenced in March. One session is being held weekly
on Wednesday mornings. The average attendance is about eight per session.
From what has been stated it may be gathered that this Centre is a most important
adjunct in connection with the Maternity and Child Welfare work carried on
in the Borough. This may be briefly outlined as follows:—
1. The Central Offices at the Town Hall for administration with the requisite
staff, medical, health visiting, and clerical.
2. Various Centres are held as below:—
Town Hall Infant Welfare Consultation—Mondays.
Model Centre „ „ „
Hoxton Hall „ „ Tuesdays.
Model Centre Infant Weighings ,,
Model Centre Infant Welfare Consultation—Wednesdays.
Model Centre Dental Clinic—Wednesdays.
Model Centre Infant Welfare Consultation—Thursdays.
Model Centre ,, „ Fridays.
Model Centre Ante-Natal Consultation—Fridays.
Harbour Lights Infant Welfare Consultation—Fridays.
also
School for Mothers Infant Welfare Consultation—Tuesdays.
School for Mothers „ „ Thursdays.
School for Mothers Ante Natal Consultation—Thursdays.