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5
With these considerations in mind, it is especially desirable
that strenuous efforts should be made to diminish Infant Mortality
by such means as are still within the Council's power, e g. by the
extension of the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme. The
necessity for this is greatly accentuated by the continued decrease
of the birth rate—now very little above the death rate—and by
the loss of a large proportion of our healthiest manhood in the
War. The considerable mortality among infants from Congenital
Debility and Premature Birth suggests the advisability of making
better provision for maternity, especially in the pre-natal stage.
For this purpose, there is need for some hospital bed accommodation
in the district for complicated cases of pregnancy or cases of
pregnancy where the home conditions are very unsatisfactory.
Another means of dealing with cases of the latter description would
be by the employment of home helps, who would assist or relieve
the mother in the heavier domestic work for a short time before
and after her confinement. There is also need for medical and/or
nursing assistance in severe or complicated cases of Measles,
Whooping Cough, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, etc. It is to be observed
that the Local Government Board gives every encouragement to
measures such as those suggested and is prepared to contribute
half the expenditure on such objects.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
W. BRAMWELL REID,
Medical Officer of Health.