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phase is utilised as an assessment period for each child, the actual
assessment carrying on into school life. The progress of these children is
carefully observed and the mother supported and counselled as to how
best she can help her child.
Facilities for immunisation are available at child welfare sessions,
vaccination no longer being offered as advised by the Department of
Health and Social Security in Circular 12/71.
There were 22 babies with a total of 24 abnormalities notified under
the national scheme for the registration of congenital abnormalities.
Welfare foods are distributed at all the 17 child health centres.

Assessment Centres
Early detection of physical, mental and emotional defects is a normal
function of the child health clinics conducted by the local authority and
also by general practitioners in their own surgeries. The weekly assessment
centre at Northwick Park Hospital continued during the year. This is now
run by Dr. M. M. Liberman Consultant Paediatrician. An Assistant
Controller of Health Services and a social worker assisted by being able to
bring their knowledge of the families and of the local supporting services.
The medical officer also assists by carrying out the psychological testing.
The clinic is now held near to the children's ward in the hospital and a
two-way mirror in the examination rooms allows others to observe the
child whilst he or she is being examined or tested. Apart from consultants
of other specialities and para-medical staff being available to help in the
assessment of particular children, local authority staff, health visitors and
social workers especially often attend if they have been involved with a
particular child or family.
Day Nurseries and Registered Child Minders
The Health Department continued to supervise the day nursery
services and administer the Nursery and Child Minders Regulations Act
1948 until April 1st when the Social Services Department were able to
accept responsibility for these services.