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general conditions, cleanliness, ventilation etc., and on sleeping
quarters, kitchens, dietary etc.
Treatment of the children in all the homes is undertaken
by the general practitioners concerned, but in the four homes within
the borough, departmental medical officers undertake the routine
medical inspections when visiting, and on admission and discharge;
they advise generally on the promotion of positive health of the
children.
HOMES FOR MOTHERS AND BABIES
There are no homes for mothers and babies in the borough.
During 1969 Council accepted financial responsibility for 18
unmarried mothers sent to homes run by other authorities or
voluntary organisations. The usual period of acceptance is for
six weeks before and six weeks after confinement.
RECUPERATIVE HOLIDAYS FOR MOTHERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Holidays were arranged for 6 mothers with medical and social
problems. They were accompanied by a total of 15 young children.
Due to lack of holiday homes within the borough, all these families
were accommodated in private boarding homes.
CHILDREN "AT RISK"
Cases of children who are thought to be specially
susceptible to handicaps are reported at birth by midwives, on
special cards printed for the purpose. From these and other reports
the "at risk" register is compiled and the medical and nursing staff
pay particular attention to the babies who are included. Screening
tests for impaired hearing are carried out and the babies are also
watched carefully in case any evidence of the relevant abnormalities
develops.
Information about children remaining on this register at
the age of five years is transferred to the school health records.
The total number of children on this register at 31st
December 1969 was 3,333.