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104
children who are reported by the clinic doctors as requiring convalescence. 229 cases
were reported ; of these 104 were regarded as very urgent, 65 as moderately urgent
and 60 as needing convalescence when convenient.
The existing facilities are mainly through the Invalid Children's Aid Association,
and the Association of Maternity and Child Welfare Centres. The Council have also
a specific arrangement with the last-named association for the reservation of two beds
for mothers and babies at the Mayfield Convalescent Home. At the end of the year
Mayfield was closed down and negotiations were started for its being taken over by
the Borough Council. These were successful and the home is being re-opened in
June, 1939.
Details of convalescence arranged for mothers and babies.
To Homes under the Association of Maternity and Child Welfare Centres:—
Letchworth, 18 children.
Basing, 5 children.
Mayfield, 62 mothers (38 with babies).
To Homes under the Invalid Children's Aid Association:—
Various Homes, 20 children (6 assisted by grants from the Maternity and
Child Welfare Committee and 14 assisted by grants from a voluntary
fund*).
In addition to the above, 13 mothers and 6 children were sent to various homes
during the year.
*Mrs. Gwendolin Choyce very kindly made a further grant towards the cost of
convalescence of children belonging to a certain area of the borough, and this fund
enabled 14 children and 5 mothers to be sent to convalescent homes. The gift was
greatly appreciated by the Borough Council.
(i) CHILD LIFE PROTECTION
During 1938,194 visits were paid, 113 to registered cases, the remainder being to
the following:—
(1) To children who were returned to their parents from foster mothers living
out of the Borough.
(2) To people wishing to adopt children.
(3) To women who undertake the care of children without registration.