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"last time, baby caught cold," or because "they had
to wait too long to see the doctor." The great
majority of this class, however, belong to the lazy,
slothful, and indifferent mothers, who either do not care
or have become disheartened. On the other hand it is
pleasing to record that some mothers prefer "Home
Visits" as it gives them an opportunity to ask the
Visitors questions about their children, which they
would be afraid to ask in front of other mothers.
Dr. Effie M. D. Craig, the Assistant Medical Officer, reports
as follows on the work of the year:—
"I beg to submit to you my Report for the Maternity and
Child Welfare Work for the year 1923.
"The work has been continued on much the same lines
as in 1922. There has been, however, some alteration in the
staff. The three health visitors, who formerly devoted their
whole time to the Health Visiting, Maternity and Child
Welfare work, etc., have since April also been employed for the
preparation for medical inspection and attendance with the
Medical Officer at the schools. A third of the time of each
visitor has been employed with school work. The Maternity
and Child Welfare work has thus been to a certain extent
curtailed, and no new work has been undertaken.
"Clinics have been held at the two Centres, Wandle Park
House and Queen's Hall. Infant consultations have been held
once a week at each of the centres, and Ante-natal consultations
at Wandle Park House every alternate Thursday.
"The work of prevention of disease and saving of infant
lives and improving the health of the children has been both at
the Centres an'd in the homes.
Infant Welfare Consultations.
"At these consultations the children are weighed, and every
child attending for the first (time is examined by the Medical
Officer, who also examines them at regular intervals throughout
their infancy and childhood. An attempt is made to keep the
children as much as possible under observation; all cases are
followed up by the Health Visitors, who visit the homes, and
give any necessary instructions. The most effective part of the
work is the education, of the motherseither at their homes or
at the Centres. Classes are held weekly by the Health Visitors,
who instruct the mothers in mothercraft, needlework, and
domestic science. They also give little health talks which
the mothers greatly appreciate. The mothers are instructed
to attend the Clinics as regularly as possible, and instructions
are given as to the best means of improving the physical
development of the children.
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