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the proper care of such infants, who may be so adversely affected by
loss of heat and moisture. Among various arrangements made for
this care are:—
(i) The provision of the following equipment:—
1 treasure cot, complete with linen and blankets; 1 thermometer;
1 pair of scales with basket; 2 hot water bottles;
2 premature feeding bottles; 1 mucus extractor; a heated
carrier for transporting a premature baby to hospital.
(it) The service of the Home Help where necessary and available.
As reported in my last year's Annual Report, included in the staff
of the department is a Social Welfare Worker specially appointed to
undertake work in connection with the care of illegitimate children
and unmarried mothers—this officer is jointly employed by the
Boroughs of Richmond and Barnes, dividing her time equally between
the two areas. Details of the work carried out in the Borough of
Barnes by this member of the staff is summarised in Table 36.
It will be appreciated that much of the work in connection with this
aspect of public health, as indeed in much of the work of the Public
Health Department, is advisory and cannot be statistically recorded.
The object in the administration of this work has been, as far as possible,
to keep the baby with the mother or grandparents where the circumstances
are such that this is both desirable and practicable. It is
pleasing, therefore, to relate that during the year, out of 71 infants
dealt with, 63, that is 89%, have remained with either the mother or
relatives. It is to be noted that home and hostel accommodation
provided by voluntary bodies has proved adqeuate for the needs of the
Borough. The homes used have been situated in Kingston, Croydon,
Clapham, Finchley, Highgate, Grayshott and Brighton areas. The
standards maintained in the homes have been satisfactory.