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As soon as a notification of a premature birth in a home is received, the special
visitor endeavours to contact the midwife and calls at the home to find out what
equipment is required. The visitor also leaves for the midwife the necessary vitamin
preparations with directions as to the recommended method of administration.
In many cases the visit is made at a time when the midwife is in attendance so that
the care of the infant can be discussed. By co-operation with the midwives it is
possible in most cases to secure the early administration of the necessary vitamins
and medicaments used in the prevention of the diseases to which premature babies
are prone. Much depends on the careful teaching of the mother by the midwives
and premature baby visitor. The latter attends until the infant is considered fit
to pass to the district health visitor.
To secure continuity in medical care as well as for research purposes, it is thought
that a special premature infant clinic (to which infants could come by appointment)
would be very valuable. At present they are seen regularly at the welfare centre.
Some mothers are in need of rest and nourishing food as well as constant help in
handling the premature infant, and a small unit to which these mothers and infants
could be admitted would be most beneficial.
Much supervision of the return and care of the equipment which includes cots,
clothing, blankets, hot-water bottles, screens, scales, etc., is required. The best
equipment that can be obtained is used and it is difficult at times in necessitous cases
to secure its return. Much help in replacing the equipment has been given by the
W. V.S. and other interested persons.
Many doctors, health visitors and other interested workers have visited Shoreditch
to see the recommendations of Ministry of Health Circular 20/44 being carried
out in a poor area.
CONVALESCENCE
In addition to the children and mothers who had short stays either at Effingham
House or Mayfield Home, the Council made monetary grants towards the cost of
convalescence of two children during the year.
DAY NURSERIES
The Council administers two day nurseries. The Sun Babies Nursery, Upwey
Street, has accommodation for 25 children under 2 years and 35 toddlers aged 2 to 5
years. The Brunswick Day Nursery, Haggerston Road, has accommodation for 60
children aged 2 to 5 years.