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receive at both Homes from the Nursing Staffs. The great
improvement in mothers and babies after their holiday, with its
entire freedom from worry and work, is remarkable.
During 1933, under this Scheme, 44 mothers with their
infants were sent to these Homes, which are excellent in every
way.
Maternity and Nursing Homes in the Borough.
There are three Nursing Homes in the Borough registered
under the Nursing Homes' Registration Act, 1927, one of these
being the Plaistow Maternity Hospital. Of the two remaining
Homes, one receives only chronic medical and senile cases, the
other having accommodation for medical, surgical and maternity
cases in addition to senile patients.
There have been no orders cancelling or refusing registration,
and no application for exemption from registration or for registration.
The Homes are inspected by the Senior Assistant Medical
Officer for Maternity and Child Welfare.
Children and Young Persons' Act, 1932,
Foster Children.
Under Part 1 of this Act the supervision of the foster children
and of the homes of the foster mothers is carried out by the
Municipal Health Visitors in their respective districts. Application
for registration as a foster mother under the Act is sanctioned
by the Council on the recommendation of the Maternity and Child
Welfare Committee.
Before the foster mother's application is approved, a detailed
enquiry is made by the Infant Life Protection Visitor of the district,
and in all those cases that are known to the Public Assistance
Officer a report is received in regard to home and economic conditions.
The register of cases notified as suffering from Tuberculosis
is consulted in order to eliminate any possibility of introducing
a child into an infected family.
The foster mother must comply, if registered, with all rules
under this Act and of the Council, which include provision of a
fire-guard, separate suitable sleeping accommodation for the child,
and attendance at an Infant Welfare Centre in the Borough until
such time as the child goes to school.
Registered foster mothers are visited as a routine by the
Health Visitor at least once every two months.
In no case was legal proceedings taken in 1933.
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