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55
SECTION VII.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
The Maternity and Child Welfare movement was
started in Chiswick during the early days of the War by
some public spirited ladies of the district—many of whom are
still actively engaged as Voluntary Helpers in the Clinics—
who undertook the whole financial and general management.
They opened two centres, one in Fraser Street and one in
Essex Place, and until the autumn of 1921, Dr. Agnes Dunnett
undertook the duties of Medical Officer.
In 1919, the Council took over the administration of
the Clinics, and in the autumn of 1921, the Medical Officer
of Health continued the work Dr. Dunnett had so ably
founded.
The Council's arrangements for dealing with this
work now form a very important part of the Public Health
Service in this district. The centralization of all Clinics in
the building of the Public Health Department—which took
place in 1924—has proved a tremendous advantage. Ample
accommodation is provided including consulting room,
weighing and waiting rooms, both the latter being centrally
heated, and also covered accommodation for prams. The
Clinics—particulars of which, giving times, etc., are set out
on page 19—continue to grow in popularity and usefulness,
in fact, so much so that it has been found necessary to acquire
an additional large room adjoining the original weighing room,
and formerly the Health Visitor's Office.
This popularity is without doubt, due in a very large
measure, to the splendid work of the lady voluntary helpers,
who by their sympathy and personal interest in all cases,
largely attract mothers to the Clinic. I should be failing in
my duty if I did not once again acknowledge the excellent
work of the undermentioned ladies, who devote so much of
their time and energies in this respect. Mrs. Philip, Mrs.
Hartley, Mrs. Smedley, Mrs. Bustard, Mrs. Stokes,
Mrs. Mackean, Miss Cooper and Miss Barker identify
themselves with the Clinics held on Thursdays; while Mrs.
Harvey, Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. Strudwick, Mrs. Chilvers,
Mrs. King, Mrs. Goodall, Mrs. Knight and Mrs. Page are