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CARE OF PREMATURE INFANTS
The action suggested in Circular 20/44 (as amended by
Circular LHAL 1/49) has been carried out as far as possible and
the steps taken were detailed in the Report for 1944. During
1951, 85 live premature infants were born to residents of the
Borough, 26 at home and 59 in hospitals and nursing homes.
Of the 26 born at home, ten were transferred to hospital.
The remaining 16 who were nursed entirely at home, survived at
the end of one month.
The routine supervision consists of the following :—
(1) After the 14th day infants are visited weekly by the
Health Visitor if remaining at home, or on discharge from
hospital and until they attain average weight.
(2) Weekly Welfare attendances are made, if the condition
of the infant allows.
(3) The report on premature infants, i.e., as to nursing and
survival within 28 days is completed at the end of the
first month.
During the course of the year, with the help and co-operation
of Miss Rodway, F.R.C.O.G., and Matron at Thorpe Coombe, a
lecture was given by Dr. Elchon Hinden, Paediatrician at Whipps
Cross and Thorpe Coombe Hospitals, to Health Workers in the
Borough and the adjoining areas. A total of about 90 doctors,
health visitors and midwives attended.