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available for the treatment of such medical and surgical conditions
in children under 5 as are usually treated in a general
or children's hospital, and the Council's provision for institutional
midwifery was increased 50 per cent. The arrangements
made with the Governors of the Hospital ensure that
a bed is always available locally for emergencies in expectant
mothers and in young children and avoid the delay and
danger associated with the long journey to a London General
or Special Hospital. Local medical practitioners can use
these beds for emergency cases by direct application to the
Hospital.
The steps necessary to provide additional facilities for
Maternity and Child Welfare work in Eltham will require
the careful consideration of the Council during 1929. Eltham
Centre was opened in 1917 and one was established at New
Eltham in 1920. Since then, there has been much building
in the district and the Eltham Centre is no longer conveniently
situated. The attendances at the Welfare Centres during
the year numbered 32,515, a slight increase on those of 1927.
Gratefully, I express, once again, my indebtedness to
the staff of the Department for their loyal co.operation during
the year. They have risen nobly to the many and new.
demands placed upon them, particularly in regard to the
development of health propaganda work. My thanks are
also due to those of other Departments for their help during
the year, and in the compilation of this report. To the
members of the Council, and particularly those of the Health
Committees, my thanks are due for their many kindnesses
during the year.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN MACMILLAN.