View report page

Twelve children were referred to the Orthopaedic Surgeon,
Children's Hospital, Balaam Street, Plaistow, for advice regarding
various congenital deformities and acquired defects, e.g.,
talipes, bow legs, knock-knees. In the majority of cases the
child was treated successfully as an out-patient. The hospital
remained closed since the outbreak of war until October, 1946,
so that up till that date any child requiring in-patient treatment
and care was referred to another suitable institution by the
Orthopaedic Surgeon.
CONVALESCENT TREATMENT FOR NURSING
MOTHERS. For a number of years arrangements have been
in force whereby two or three mothers, with their infants under
three months of age, were sent to the Post-natal Home, Child
Haven, Hutton, Essex, every fortnight. During 1946, 56
mothers and 58 babies were able to enjoy a period of two
weeks' convalescence in that peaceful and charming Home.
Unfortunately, the Committee of the West Ham Central
Mission closed these premises for this purpose in October,
1946, and it was with regret that the Maternity and Child
Welfare staff heard the news. "Child Haven" filled a great
need in the Council's Maternity and Child Welfare service, and
every mother returned from that Home full of praise for the
care, consideration and help she had received.
But at Harold Wood Hospital, Essex, a post-natal ward
of 12 beds was opened by the Council in May, 1946, being used
at first to accommodate nursing mothers and their infants
under a scheme similar to that in operation at "Child Haven."
Later, this ward became a post-natal ward, admitting women
direct from Forest Gate Hospital Maternity Unit during the
first fourteen days after confinement, who required more than
the usual nursing care and attention. The convalescent mothers
perforce had to give way to the mothers newly confined. But
it is hoped that further facilities for convalescence may be
available in the not too distant future, for undoubtedly today
the mothers of the Borough are in greater need of this additional
rest than ever before.
CONVALESCENCE FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE
YEARS. As for many years past, children were sent to various
convalescent homes in the country and at the seaside, by
arrangement with the Invalid Children's Aid Association, and,
to a lesser extent, by the Invalid Crippled Children's Society.
The children were referred to this Department by the medical
officers of the Child Welfare Clinics, from various hospitals and
by general practitioners. Convalescence was requested on
account of conditions such as malnutrition, anaemia, general or
nervous debility frequently following an acute illness, e.g.,
measles, pneumonia, etc. The period of convalescence varied
from 4-12 weeks, and in certain cases this period was extended
to 4-6 months on the recommendation of the medical officer
44