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78
INFESTATION
The steps taken to combat infestation include cleanliness
inspections by School Nurses once per term, treatment at School
Clinics (which includes supply of Lethane and of steel combs at
cost price) and inspection and treatment for scabies and pediculosis
at the Skin Clinc.
All these facilities are available to children under 5 years of
age.
In addition, educational work is carried out at all Walthamstow
Schools, Day Nurseries and Welfare Centres.
CLINICS
Dr. M. Sheppard, reports as follows:—
"During the year routine tests were taken at the AnteNatal
Clinic for the Rhesus Factor and other investigations.
Of 221 cases, 43 were Rhesus negative, a condition which may
be dangerous for the newly born baby unless special precautions
are taken.
"A new Ante-Natal session was commenced at Silverdale
Road Welfare Centre in May. Up to the end of the year,
48 mothers made 104 attendances. At the Markhouse Road
Ante-Natal Clinic (for the whole year) 469 mothers made
904 attendances.
"It is a matter of regret that Post-Natal attendances were
less satisfactory than in 1947, the percentage being 15 against
26. This is the more disquieting since maternal morbidity is
a serious menace to the health and wellbeing of the mothers.
Steps are being taken to impress the importance of Post-Natal
examinations on all newly delivered mothers.
"A new welfare centre was opened at Silverdale Road,
Highams Park, and this constitutes the fourth Local Authority
Centre. Live births during 1948 were 2,068 and the total
attendances under one year were 1,319, a satisfactory figure
in view of the numbers attending the Brookscroft centre and
sessions provided by general practitioners.
"Total attendances at Council welfares during the year
were 49,931, 26,875 under one year of age and 23,056 between
one and five years.
"Thanks are again due to the voluntary organisers who
gave such cheerful and efficient service during 1948."