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Incidence of Infection.—During the year under review seven cases of measles,
five of mumps and two cases of scarlet fever occurred in children who attended the
Nursery.
The appointment of an additional qualified nursery teacher added considerably
to the efficiency and educational capacity of the school side of the institution.
Dr. Morton is of opinion that the high standard of mothercraft efficiency for the baby
at home is not maintained for the toddler and she believes that a spell in the Nursery
effects a distinct improvement in the mental and physical condition of the toddler.
The Nursery is equipped with both mercury vapour and carbon arc lamps and
20 to 30 children are treated weekly.
Dr. Morton states that the general standard of health is good. There has been
less catarrhal infection and she has been impressed by the low incidence of skin
lesions. Efforts are being made to bath the toddlers frequently, and, if possible,
daily. The incidence of early dental caries is low and only three toddlers were
referred for removal of tonsils and adenoids.
Emergency Open-air Nursery.
During June an arrangement was entered into between the Borough Council
and the Secretary of the Emergency Open Air Nursery School, Trinity Place,
Shepherdess Walk, by which ten Shoreditch children under the age of five years
could be sent to this institution.
This Nursery is situated in the western part of the Borough, and was established
expressly for children whose parents are receiving public assistance, and are not
therefore in a position to pay the usual nursery fee of one shilling per week.
The amount paid for this service by the Council is 1s. 8d. per week of 5 days
per child, which amount is said to cover the cost of the food supplied.
The number of individual children sent to this Nursery during the year was six.
These children attended on 255 occasions and the cost to the Council was £i 5s.
Medical Mission of the Good Shepherd, Harman Street.
This is an institution of ten beds for the treatment of babies and young children
suffering from, acute medical conditions. At the institution there are also two midwives
who take the cases in the surrounding district, but this part of the work does
not rank for grant. The cases in the wards are under the care of Dr. E. A. Worley.
During the year 41 children were admitted and there were six deaths.