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of the Hospital, that 801 babies were born during the year. At the ante-natal
clinics in connection with this hospital, 8,682 attendances were made, and at the
infant clinics, 2,687 attendances. In addition there were 190 extern cases. The
number of mothers admitted under the Council's scheme was 138, the nett cost to
the Council being £974 3s. 0d.
(2) War Memorial Hospital.—There are 7 maternity beds in this hospital and
I am indebted to Mr. R. S. G. Hutchings, the Secretary, for the following information
regarding the admissions to the maternity unit during the year. The number of
children born in the hospital was 195, and 40 mothers were admitted for ante-natal
or emergency treatment. The number of attendances at the ante-natal clinic was
1,195. The number of mothers admitted under the Council's scheme was 61, the
nett cost to the Council being £501 18s. 6d.
Ante-Natal Treatment and Emergencies.—The number of cases admitted
for ante-natal or emergency treatment under the Council's scheme was 4. The
reasons for admission were: —Albuminuria, 1; Pyelitis, 1; Heart Trouble, 2.
Convalescent Home Treatment for Children under 5 years of Age.—
♦
The necessary arrangements for this are made by the Woolwich Invalid Children's
Aid Association to whom the Council give grants-in-aid for this purpose. During
the year such grants were made in respect of 70 children, the total cost of whose
convalescent treatment amount to £422 16s. 4d. The Council's grants amounted
to £200. The children were sent away for periods varying from 2 to 27 weeks, and
payment was only made in respect of children sent to homes approved by the Medical
Officer of Health.
During the year at the request of the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint
Committee, proposals on the subject of a scheme which has for its object the provision
of a convalescent home for the reception of mothers after confinement and
their babies, was considered. It appeared that money was available from a Trust
for erecting and equipping such a home free of cost, but that no funds would be
available for the maintenance of the home. The proposals provided for a home of
thirty single rooms for mothers and babies, and nurseries for babies and toddlers.
The Trustees who were responsible for the home asked whether the Metropolitan
Boroughs as a whole would be responsible for 13 beds. The Council agreed to cooperate
in the scheme.
Convalescent Home Treatment for Expectant and Nursing Mothers.—
In June, 1931, the Council decided to make provision under their maternity and
child welfare scheme for the convalescent treatment of expectant and nursing mothers.
The scheme included payment of railway fares where necessary. It was resolved
also to recover some of the cost from patients after consideration of each case on
its merits. During the year one mother was so admitted to a convalescent home.