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is weighed and then examined by the doctor. Any necessary
advice is given the mother by the doctor, and at the close
of the Session a short address is given to the mothers by
the Health Visitor. Careful records and notes are kept of
the progress of the child. Any mother ceasing to attend or
coming at irregular intervals is visited by one of the lady
helpers, but no other home visiting is done in connection
with the School. Virol is supplied at cost price to all who
require it.
Number of infants and young children entered
on the books during the year 56
Number of attendances 492
Number of sessions 38
Average attendance per session 13
The greatest care has been taken that the work of the
School should not overlap with the work of the medical
practitioners of the district. Any child requiring medical or
surgical treatment is referred to the medical attendant of the
family. A circular letter was issued to all the medical
practitioners of Ilford explaining the objects of the School
and inviting their co-operation. So far the number of infants
sent to the School by doctors has been but small.
It has also been the policy of the School not to give
any relief. By this means the expenses of the institution
have been kept down and the class of mother attending has
been one to which advice is acceptable and one which does
not come merely to get free milk, meals or medicine.
Care has also been taken that there is no overlapping
with the other activities of the Public Health Department,
and the attendance of the Medical Officer of Health and the
Health Visitor ensures this. The majority of mothers come
on the advice of the Health Visitor, only those mothers who
are likely to benefit from advice and instruction being asked
to attend. It is anticipated that part of the expenses of the
institution will be refunded from a Government grant under
the new Maternity and Child Welfare Regulations.