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The neo-natal mortality for England and Wales for the
decennium 1921-30 was 33.
The death rate from Diarrhoea and Enteritis in children under
1 year of age per 1,000 live births was 4.0.
CHILD WELFARE.
The equivalent of whole-time Municipal Health Visitors at the
end of the year was 7.5, equal to one whole-time Health Visitor
per 211 notified births, and one whole-time Health Visitor per
188 registered births during 1942,
CLINICS.
During the year 1942 nothing outstanding occurred at the
Welfare Centres. The attendance continued at practically prewar
level. The Welfare Centres are distributing fruit juices
and cod liver oil under the Government Scheme, the distribution
being done by members' of the Women's Voluntary Service and Civil
Defence Workers. At each Welfare Centre there is a "Make and
Mend" and Cookery Stall rum by the South-West Essex Technical
College, and the mothers show a good interest in the exhibits.
The health of the children maintained a satisfactory level
during the year and owing to constant supervision there was no
increase in rickets or scurvy.
Thanks are again due to the voluntary workers who so ably
assisted the staff.
The Ante-Natal sessions were held twice weekly, with an
occasional extra session when necessary. Towards the end of the
year it was found necessary to hold four weekly sessions, the
increase in the number of attendances being due to the scarcity
of hospital accommodation and consequent home confinements and to
the number of mothers "evacuating", As these have no midwife
in attendance they have to be given considerable extra attention
at the Clinics. The necessity to have forms for permits for
milk and eggs and certificates for the Labour exchange etc. also
induoed more mothers to attend during the early months of
pregnancy and greatly increasedthe work of the Clinics.
Every effort is being made to induce mothers to attend for
Post-Natal examination.
MUNICIPAL SCHEME.
The following table shows the number and nature of visits
paid during 1942:-
26.