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55
In 1934 at the request of the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee,
the Council agreed to co-operate in a scheme which had for its object the provision
of a convalescent home for the reception of mothers after confinement and their
babies. The proposals provided for a home of 30 single rooms for mothers and
babies and nurseries for babies and toddlers. The joint scheme whereby the Boroughs
were to be responsible for 13 beds was not proceeded with and individual boroughs
have undertaken the maintenance of a certain number of beds.
Supply of Milk, etc., to Necessitous Mothers and Children. The
approximate cost of this service during the year was as follows:—Dried milk,
£1,156 1s. 0d.; Fresh milk, 16s. 4d.; Dinners, Nil.
In 1934 the Council agreed to co-operate with the London County Council with
regard to the supply of extra nourishment to maternity cases where domiciliary
relief was being granted by the County Council. The scheme was subsequently
enlarged to include delicate children whose parents were in receipt of out-relief.
At the end of the year it was estimated that the amount due from the London
County Council in respect of extra nourishment was £150, compared with £247 in
the previous year.
Blind Persons Act, 1920.—The Council at the request of the London County
Council, have arranged that home visiting of blind children under five years of age
should be carried out by the Council's health visitors. Reports are furnished to
the County Council, as the occasion arises, when the home conditions are unsuitable
for blind children or it is advisable that the child should be admitted to a suitable
institution. During the year no new cases came to the knowledge of the department.
The Ministry of Health issued a circular during the year drawing the attention of
Councils to the importance of taking all practical steps to prevent blindness and
impaired eye-sight.
Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925.—The
local authority may, in case of desertion of a child who is an orphan, administer
the payments on behalf of the child. No case under the provisions of this Act was
dealt with during the year.